Phuket accountant arrested for involvement in call centre scams

A woman accountant in Phuket has been apprehended by officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) on charges linked to multiple call centre scams. Identified only as Kanraya, the alleged scammer has been implicated in five separate arrest warrants for her involvement in fraudulent activities, including opening bank accounts used by scam gangs.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Phongsak Meemusik led the operation that resulted in Kanraya’s arrest in Srisoonthorn. The CIB reported that Na Thawi Provincial Court in Songkhla issued the first warrant on April 3, accusing her of jointly defrauding others.

On December 6, Chon Buri Provincial Court issued another warrant, charging her with stealing property by pretending to be another person and breaching the Computer Crime Act by introducing distorted or falsified computer data likely to cause damage.

The Criminal Court followed with a warrant on July 4, accusing Kanraya of defrauding the public and importing false computer data in a manner likely to harm the public. Further arrest warrants came from Phichit Provincial Court on August 9 and Udon Thani District Court on March 13 for similar charges involving fraud and falsified computer information.

The investigation revealed that Kanraya used her bank account to receive money obtained through various fraudulent schemes. These included impersonating a police officer, deceiving victims into transferring money for verification, and tricking people into investing in online product sales with promises of high returns.

Authorities tracked Kanraya to Thalang District in Phuket, where she was arrested. She has since been handed over to officers from Chana Police Station in Songkhla Province for further legal proceedings.

Kanraya denies all charges, claiming she was paid to open accounts for a Chinese guide in Phuket around February last year, receiving 1,500 baht per account. She stated that she lost contact with the guide afterwards.

The CIB report added that the Chinese guide was likely hired by the call centre gang specifically to open these accounts for transferring funds.

“Refuse offers to open a bank account for others. Doing so is considered an offence and can lead to substantial legal repercussions.”

The CIB issued a public warning against opening bank accounts for others to use, as it is a punishable offence carrying up to three years in jail, a fine of up to 300,000 baht, or both. Additionally, individuals who open such accounts may also face charges for any crimes committed using those accounts, reported Pattaya News