Bangkok:The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), through its Division 4, Crime Suppression Division, has arrested Mr. Sulaiman, a 20-year-old suspect, in front of Bangkok Central Station, Chatuchak District. Mr. Sulaiman was wanted under an arrest warrant issued by the Rattanaburi Provincial Court, warrant number 94/2569, dated March 30, 2069. He faces charges of "jointly organizing gambling or advertising to entice others to gamble through electronic media without permission, and jointly engaging in money laundering."
According to Thai News Agency, this arrest follows an investigation that began with a tip received on December 15, 2015, by investigators at Non Narai Police Station, Surin Province. The tip involved a solicitation to register as members of the transnational online gambling website "W88," which offers 24-hour services including live football betting, slots, baccarat, and various lottery games. Officers traced financial transactions linked to this website and discovered large sums of money being transferred, suggesting possible concealment of the funds' sources. Bank account information belonging to the suspects was also found in the financial trail.
Investigators subsequently requested the court to issue arrest warrants for ten individuals involved, comprising both Thai and foreign nationals. Police officers from Division 4, Crime Suppression Division, tracked down Mr. Sulaiman, learning of his travel plans to Uttaradit Province for tourism. They monitored him until his apprehension in Bangkok.
Initially, Mr. Sulaiman denied all charges, asserting he did not open or lend his account to anyone. He claimed his ATM card was lost approximately three months prior and that he had already reported it to the police.