Thailand Cracks Down on Regional Scam Networks, Seizing $300m in Assets
In a major operation against regional scam networks, Thailand has seized assets worth over $300 million and issued arrest warrants for 42 individuals. The move is part of a broader crackdown on online fraud that has become a significant concern in parts of Southeast Asia.
The seizures and arrests involve several high-profile targets, including Chinese-Cambodian tycoon Chen Zhi, who heads the US-sanctioned Prince Group. Chen, who is also facing indictment by the US for alleged wire fraud conspiracy and money-laundering conspiracy, could not be reached for comment. Last month, Prince Group denied any involvement in illegal activity.
Other individuals linked to transnational online scam operations include Cambodian nationals Kok An and Yim Leak. Authorities have seized shares in major companies, including Bangchak Corporation, which is valued at over $188 million. The company has stated that it will cooperate with authorities and maintain transparency.
The operation involves several key players and assets, including:
* Seizures worth 10,157 million baht ($318 million)
* 42 arrest warrants issued by the criminal court
* Assets tied to Chen and his associates, including information on online fraud, human trafficking, and money-laundering networks
Regional scam networks have become a significant concern in parts of Southeast Asia, with hundreds of people detained for alleged involvement. The crackdown is part of a broader effort to combat online fraud and human trafficking.
The move follows similar actions taken by authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore, who have frozen or seized assets linked to the Prince Group worth $354 million and $116 million respectively. Chen's whereabouts are currently unknown.
The Thai government has stated that it will continue to take action against regional scam networks and those involved in online fraud. The operation is a significant step towards combating this growing concern in Southeast Asia.
In a major operation against regional scam networks, Thailand has seized assets worth over $300 million and issued arrest warrants for 42 individuals. The move is part of a broader crackdown on online fraud that has become a significant concern in parts of Southeast Asia.
The seizures and arrests involve several high-profile targets, including Chinese-Cambodian tycoon Chen Zhi, who heads the US-sanctioned Prince Group. Chen, who is also facing indictment by the US for alleged wire fraud conspiracy and money-laundering conspiracy, could not be reached for comment. Last month, Prince Group denied any involvement in illegal activity.
Other individuals linked to transnational online scam operations include Cambodian nationals Kok An and Yim Leak. Authorities have seized shares in major companies, including Bangchak Corporation, which is valued at over $188 million. The company has stated that it will cooperate with authorities and maintain transparency.
The operation involves several key players and assets, including:
* Seizures worth 10,157 million baht ($318 million)
* 42 arrest warrants issued by the criminal court
* Assets tied to Chen and his associates, including information on online fraud, human trafficking, and money-laundering networks
Regional scam networks have become a significant concern in parts of Southeast Asia, with hundreds of people detained for alleged involvement. The crackdown is part of a broader effort to combat online fraud and human trafficking.
The move follows similar actions taken by authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore, who have frozen or seized assets linked to the Prince Group worth $354 million and $116 million respectively. Chen's whereabouts are currently unknown.
The Thai government has stated that it will continue to take action against regional scam networks and those involved in online fraud. The operation is a significant step towards combating this growing concern in Southeast Asia.