Bangkok: Police are accelerating the search for a cache of gray Chinese weapons, discovering suspicious visas and links to a Cambodian call center. A police spokesperson revealed progress in the case of a Chinese man accumulating weapons of war, finding digital evidence linking him to a scammer network in Cambodia and a money trail worth tens of millions of baht. The spokesperson also ordered disciplinary action against government officials involved in selling handguns to the suspect.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwphan, Deputy Inspector General of the Royal Thai Police and spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police, revealed significant progress in the case of Mingchen Shan, a Chinese national suspected of possessing a large cache of weapons at his residence. He stated that the case has advanced considerably, particularly through the examination of digital and electronic evidence. This includes chat conversations, financial transactions, and travel records of the suspect, all of which are linked to a scammer network in Cambodia. Furthermore, information regarding the accumulation of weapons, weapons training, and conversations reflecting conflicts within the scammer group itself has been uncovered.
However, police confirmed that there is currently no clear evidence indicating that the suspects planned to commit violence against the Thai people or aimed to carry out acts of sabotage in Thailand. Nevertheless, police have not ruled out any possibilities and are expanding their investigation to include all involved parties, including the source of the weapons, financial transactions, and the network of accomplices.
Investigations revealed that Mr. Mingchen Sun has been traveling in and out of Thailand for several years using long-term residence visas and possesses a residence permit, but not a Thai national identity card. Furthermore, he was found to use passports from several countries, including China and Cambodia, and also holds long-term residency status in South Korea. He has traveled between Thailand and Cambodia numerous times, and police are currently analyzing all the connections.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong revealed that a retrospective investigation into the financial transactions revealed links to the scammer network totaling tens of millions of baht, both in bank accounts and cryptocurrencies. The accounts involved are linked to those used in the scamming activities of a Cambodian gang. Cyber police and related agencies are currently conducting a thorough investigation. Regarding reports that the suspects registered their marriage in Thailand and obtained long-term residency rights, police are currently verifying the legality of these acquisitions and documentation. If any wrongdoing is found, additional charges will be filed against those involved.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong confirmed that Thailand is not a base or safe zone for the Chinese smuggling group, but acknowledged that Thailand's popularity as a tourist and travel destination makes it easy for transnational criminals to use it as a transit point or infiltration site. Therefore, it is necessary to upgrade screening and monitoring measures for high-risk foreigners, especially those holding long-term visas, in the future. Regarding the expansion of the investigation and arrests of those involved in the scheme, there are currently six suspects, including a government official involved in selling Glock pistols to unqualified individuals. The Bangkok Metropolitan Police Command has initiated disciplinary and criminal proceedings against the official. As for the source of the M16 assault rifles and explosives, although the traffickers attempted to destroy evidence by erasing serial numbers to evade detection, authorities have traced the source of at least one weapon and are intensifying investigations in to the smuggling process.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong also addressed the case of Mr. Mingcheng Shan, who is receiving treatment at the hospital, stating that initial details regarding his detention and treatment would need to be obtained from the Department of Corrections, as the suspect is under their custody. However, he expressed his concern and urged the relevant agencies to closely monitor the suspect. He emphasized that information regarding psychiatric treatment or claims of depression will be considered in the investigation, but the police will not rely solely on the suspect's testimony.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong denied reports that police officers rushed to conclude the case file from the first day of the arrest, which could affect public confidence. He firmly affirmed that the Royal Thai Police never rushed to conclude any case. Every step of the investigation, the filing of charges, and the dissemination of information to the public have been conducted meticulously, thoroughly, and transparently, based on the available evidence.