Thai Man Arrested for Money Laundering Linked to Call Center Scams

A Thai man involved in money laundering for 70 call center gangs has been arrested in Chiang Rai after fleeing a crackdown. He was charged with various crimes and disclosed operational details, including the laundering methods using mule accounts and cryptocurrency.

On Monday, authorities in Thailand reported the arrest of a Thai national involved in laundering money for over 70 call center scams. The individual, whose identity remains undisclosed, was apprehended in Chiang Rai’s Mae Fah Luang district after returning home to evade a significant crackdown on fraudulent call centers that began in February.

Charged with transnational crime, public fraud, and falsification of information in computer systems, the suspect revealed that he had worked at an office in Poipet, run by a Chinese scam boss, from November 11, 2023, to February 13, 2025. The office reportedly generated approximately 30 million baht through an 8-12% share derived from these scams.

To facilitate money laundering, the suspect established twenty Thai mule accounts, which processed daily transactions. He noted that the Chinese orchestrator would compensate him between 8,000 and 12,000 baht for each account managed. His tasks included:
1. Translating for the Chinese supervisors.
2. Verifying bank applications for opening mule accounts.
3. Overseeing the account holders for money transfers.
4. Converting cash from mule accounts into Tether (USDT) cryptocurrency using platforms such as Binance and Bitkub.
5. Transferring USDT to the Chinese boss’s wallet for distribution to the respective call center gangs, aligned with their earnings.

The arrest of this individual highlights the ongoing efforts by Thai authorities to combat the rampant issue of call center scams. By laundering significant sums through various mule accounts, this case underscores the intricate operations that underlie such fraudulent activities. The collaboration between local and foreign operatives in these schemes complicates the fight against transnational crime, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and enforcement.

Original Source: www.nationthailand.com