BANGKOK — Just one day after Thai and Australian authorities announced a joint operation against international fraud, 13 foreign nationals accused of operating a call center scam targeting Australians were brought before a Thai court on June 18.
According to Pol. Col. Netiwit Thanasitnitikul of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), the suspects were taken to the Criminal Court to face charges related to membership in a criminal organization, illegal employment, and working without proper permits. The group includes citizens from Australia, the UK, Canada, and South Africa.
The accused are: Mr. Mark (54), Mr. Mark Andrew (56), Mr. Nicholas (43), Mr. Brett (51), Mr. Ellis (59), Mr. Mark M. (61), Mr. Jeremy (44), Mr. Christopher (48), Mr. Dean (42), Mr. Lewis Samuel (30), Mr. Lewis Robbie (40), Mr. Luke (45), and Mr. Szeto (58).
Ten of the suspects were denied bail, while three British nationals — Mr. Lewis Samuel, Mr. Szeto, and Mr. Mark M. — were released on temporary bail.
Pol. Col. Arun Wachirasrisukanya, head of the operation, said documents seized during the investigation show the group had targeted roughly 14,000 Australians. While only 14 victims have been confirmed so far, with losses of about AU$2 million (USD $1.3 million), the group’s leaders allegedly aimed to defraud up to AU$80 million (USD $52 million) by December 2025.
The investigation began in May 2024 after the Australian Federal Police tipped off Thai authorities. Surveillance revealed that ringleaders Mr. Mark (Australian) and Mr. Mark Andrew (British) were hiding in Pattaya before relocating to Bangkok. They later set up operations at a guarded residence in Bang Phli Yai, Samut Prakan, camouflaged with tarps to avoid detection.
Thai police executed a search warrant issued by the Criminal Court, and officers from CIB Sub-Division 2 successfully arrested all 13 suspects during a raid on the property.
