Bangkok:Immigration police investigators have dismantled a scammer network impersonating prosecutors to defraud individuals out of large sums of money. The operation led to the arrest of ten suspects linked to defrauding South Korean victims of over 100 million baht.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Nophasin Phoonsawat, Commander of the Immigration Bureau, collaborated with South Korean police to raid three locations in central Bangkok, targeting a scam operation run by Chinese and South Korean nationals. The raids resulted in the arrest of ten individuals, including two Chinese and eight South Korean nationals, and the seizure of 51 items including computers and mobile phones.
The breakthrough followed the arrest of Mr. Lim Yongkil on September 4th by South Korean immigration police for visa overstay and public fraud. This arrest was linked to an online gambling and call center network involving both Chinese and South Korean nationals. Surveillance led authorities to three locations in Bangkok frequented by the suspects, where they observed equipment consistent with operations used for scams.
Investigations revealed that a Chinese national led the operation, while a South Korean national managed the fraudulent activities by impersonating legal authorities. The police, in cooperation with South Korean authorities, continue to investigate the network, aiming to identify the mastermind and further financial links.
All arrested suspects will have their permits to stay in Thailand revoked and will be deported to South Korea for prosecution. The public is encouraged to report any illegal activities by foreigners to the Immigration Bureau hotline.