Illegal hotel owner in Sa Kaeo arrested for aiding scam operations
A covert operation led to the arrest of an unlawful hotel owner in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province, on Monday, February 17, accused of facilitating Thai mule account holders before crossing into Poipet, Cambodia. The operation aimed to dismantle a call centre scam targeting Thai citizens.
Police Major General Thaworn Dulayawijit, the Sa Kaeo Provincial Police Commander, assigned Police Colonel Chatupat Singhasit, Deputy Commander of Sa Kaeo Provincial Police, Police Colonel Damrong Iampairote, and Police Colonel Anothai Jindamanee to collaborate with local administrative officials.
Their investigation followed the questioning of eight Thais, who were intercepted and assisted at the Khlong Luek border checkpoint, averting their deception by the call centre gang into opening mule accounts in Cambodia.
The investigation revealed that the gang used the hotel as a base for mule account holders before escorting them across the border to undergo facial scanning in Poipet. This step was part of their scheme to continue defrauding Thai citizens.
A 48 year old local, Phaophan, identified himself as the hotel owner. Administrative officials requested to see the hotel’s operating licence, which he could not provide. He admitted to operating without a licence.
Consequently, Phaophan was taken into custody by police for running an unlicensed hotel and further investigation into his connection with the call centre scam.
Phaophan confessed that Thai mule account holders stayed at his hotel before crossing the border for facial scanning in Cambodia. However, he acknowledged that there was no registration or verification of the guests’ identities, reported KhaoSod.
In similar news, call centre scams remain a major concern in Southeast Asia, with Thai MP Rangsiman Rome exposing a fraudulent network linked to a high-ranking officer.
Rangsiman recently shared an arrest warrant for Mong Chittu, also known as Colonel Saw Chit Thu, the leader of the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF).
Police allege Mong is behind a large-scale global scam, prompting the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to take action.
Previously, he led the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army before aligning with the BGF and developing ties with Myanmar’s military. His alleged involvement has intensified regional efforts to combat cyber fraud.
Latest Thailand News
