Malaysian Man Linked to HYDRA888 Gambling Busted in Bangkok
Thai immigration authorities have arrested a Malaysian businessman accused of involvement in massive money laundering operations connected to the notorious online gambling website HYDRA888.
On July 9, immigration officers at Don Mueang Airport apprehended 26-year-old Steven Choong Seng Lok as he arrived in Thailand from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The operation was led by Police Major General Choengron Rimpadee, who confirmed that Choong was arrested under an outstanding warrant from the Nonthaburi Provincial Court.
According to police, Choong faces charges of organising online gambling without official permission and conspiring with at least two other individuals to commit money laundering. The charges were issued under warrant number 1300/2567, dated December 16, 2024.
Investigators allege that Choong is the owner of Sport Planet Warehouse Co., Ltd, a company that reportedly played a central role in moving illicit funds connected to HYDRA888. The online gambling platform is suspected of handling transactions exceeding 11.52 billion baht (approximately US$352 million) annually.
Officials revealed that Choong was placed under surveillance after intelligence suggested he might attempt to enter Thailand. Upon his arrival at the international arrivals hall in Don Mueang Airport, the immigration investigation team promptly detained him without incident.
KhaoSod reported that Sport Planet Warehouse Co., Ltd. was allegedly used to conceal and transfer funds linked to HYDRA888’s illegal gambling operations. This elaborate network enabled money from online bets to be laundered through various business fronts, making it difficult for authorities to trace the true origins of the cash flow.
Following his arrest, Choong was handed over to the Technology Crime Suppression Division 2 (TCSCD 2) for further legal proceedings. Investigators are expected to conduct extensive interrogations to uncover additional associates and financial trails connected to HYDRA888’s operations.
Police Major General Choengron Rimpadee emphasized the importance of cooperation between Thai and international law enforcement agencies in tackling cybercrime and illicit gambling. He noted that online gambling networks have increasingly relied on complex financial structures to obscure transactions, presenting significant challenges for authorities.
The case has sparked fresh scrutiny of how foreign nationals may use Thailand’s business sector as a gateway for laundering large sums tied to illegal activities.
Online gambling remains illegal in Thailand, and authorities have intensified crackdowns on syndicates operating both domestically and from abroad. HYDRA888, in particular, has drawn significant attention due to its vast customer base and staggering financial turnover.
Choong’s arrest underscores Thailand’s ongoing efforts to dismantle these networks and pursue those involved, regardless of nationality. Police are urging the public to report any suspicious online gambling activities and remind businesses to exercise caution in financial dealings to avoid unwittingly becoming part of money-laundering operations.
As legal proceedings advance, Thai authorities are expected to collaborate closely with Malaysian law enforcement to investigate cross-border elements of the case. Further arrests or asset seizures linked to HYDRA888 and related enterprises may follow as the investigation deepens.
