Bangkok: Police have advised corrections officers to closely monitor Mingchen Shan, who is reportedly involved with a Cambodian scammer gang. The authorities have discovered money trails and chat logs linking Shan to the network and are expanding their investigation to include a cache of illegal weapons. They have requested that the Corrections Department keep a vigilant watch over the suspect.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwphan, Deputy Inspector General and spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police, has announced significant developments in the investigation of Mingchen Shan, a 30-year-old Chinese national. Shan is suspected of possessing a large cache of weapons at his residence. The case has progressed substantially, particularly through the evaluation of digital and electronic evidence, including chat conversations, financial transactions, and travel records. These elements are all linked to a scammer network in Cambodia. Additionally, the investigation has uncovered information about weapons accumulation, weapons training, and internal conflicts within the scammer group.
Authorities have confirmed that there is no definitive evidence indicating plans to commit violence against Thai citizens or to carry out acts of sabotage within Thailand. However, police are not dismissing any possibilities and are broadening their investigation to include all parties involved, such as the source of the weapons, financial transactions, and the network of accomplices.
Investigations revealed that Shan has been traveling in and out of Thailand for several years using long-term residence visas. He possesses a residence permit but does not hold a Thai national identity card. Furthermore, he was found to hold passports from multiple countries, including China and Cambodia, and has long-term residency status in South Korea. He has frequently traveled between Thailand and Cambodia, prompting police to analyze all associated connections.
A police spokesperson disclosed that a retrospective investigation into financial transactions revealed links to the scammer network amounting to tens of millions of baht, involving both bank accounts and cryptocurrencies. The accounts are connected to those used in the scamming operation in Cambodia. Cyber police and related agencies are conducting a comprehensive investigation. Reports suggest that the suspects registered their marriage in Thailand and obtained long-term residency rights; police are investigating the legality of these acquisitions. Should any wrongdoing be discovered, additional charges will be filed against those involved.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong emphasized that Thailand is not a haven for the Chinese smuggling group but acknowledged that its popularity as a tourist and travel destination makes it susceptible to being used as a transit point by transnational criminals. Consequently, there is a need to enhance screening and monitoring measures for high-risk foreigners, especially those holding long-term visas. As part of the investigation's expansion and arrests of those involved, six suspects have been identified, including a government official accused of selling Glock pistols to unqualified individuals. The Bangkok Metropolitan Police Command has initiated disciplinary and criminal proceedings against the official. Despite traffickers attempting to destroy evidence by erasing serial numbers from weapons, authorities have traced the source of at least one weapon and are intensifying investigations into the smuggling process.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong also addressed the situation of Mingchen Shan, who is currently receiving treatment at the hospital. He stated that initial details regarding Shan's detention and treatment would need to be obtained from the Department of Corrections, as the suspect is under their custody. He expressed concerns and urged relevant agencies to closely monitor Shan. 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.
In conclusion, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong refuted reports that police officers hastily concluded the case file from the first day of the arrest, which might affect public trust. He affirmed that the Royal Thai Police never rush to conclude any case. All investigation steps, the filing of charges, and the dissemination of information to the public are conducted meticulously, thoroughly, and transparently, based on the available evidence.