The Thai Cyber Police have arrested a Thai agent involved in hiring individuals to open fake SIM cards and bank accounts in Mae Sot, selling them to call center gangs across the border, which are used to scam Thai citizens.
On September 27, Police Lieutenant General Worawat Wattanakornbancha directed the investigation into these illegal activities, leading to searches at three locations in Tak province.
In the first raid, police used a search warrant in Mae Sot to arrest a mother and son duo, Ms. Kochakorn Limpraseart, 47, and Mr. Thanakorn Siwichai, 26. In the second raid, they arrested Mr. Sa-ad Jindakornkatch, 28. The third location resulted in the seizure of 19 bank account books and 6 ATM cards.
According to the police, they have been actively pursuing individuals involved in the illegal sale of fake SIM cards and bank accounts. Investigations revealed that the suspects were tricking local residents into opening bank accounts in exchange for payments, subsequently selling them to a Chinese gang on the other side of the border for use in scams.
The suspects admitted to sourcing these accounts and SIM cards, claiming to have sold over 500 accounts over the past year for a total of around 750,000 baht. Payments were facilitated through cross-border arrangements with individuals from neighboring countries.
The suspects face charges including “conspiracy to facilitate the sale or rental of bank accounts, electronic accounts, or cards for use in technology-related crimes or other offenses”. They have been remanded in custody for further legal proceedings.
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This article was rewritten from a Thairath’s news article.
