Thai authorities have arrested 16 foreign nationals, including a Taiwanese fugitive and 15 Chinese citizens, during a major police operation targeting transnational scam networks operating in Bangkok. The coordinated raid took place at a condominium in the city’s Rama 9 district after investigators traced several suspects to the unit through their alleged activities linked to international fraud schemes.
According to Thai police, 13 of the suspects were found to have violated immigration laws. Twelve Chinese nationals reportedly crossed into Thailand illegally via undocumented routes through Tak province after fleeing Myanmar, where many scam syndicates have been under intensified scrutiny from law enforcement. Another Chinese suspect was discovered to have overstayed a visa, while three others possessed valid Prestige visas.
The Taiwanese suspect, who drew the most attention during the operation, is wanted in Taiwan on three active warrants. Authorities said the warrants relate to drug offenses, fraud, and money laundering. During questioning, he allegedly admitted that he had previously been prosecuted for managing mule bank accounts—accounts used by scammers to move illicit funds without drawing attention.
He told investigators that he was recruited by scam operators because of his background in computer science. His role involved assisting with online romance scams and investment fraud schemes, two of the most profitable activities for these transnational crime groups. According to police, he claimed he was paid 50,000 New Taiwan dollars to open just two mule accounts, highlighting how these networks lure individuals with incentives while exploiting their skills.
Col. Prasopchok Iampinit, chief of Huai Khwang Police Station, said several of the arrested individuals had previously worked for scam rings based in Myanmar. When Myanmar authorities strengthened border enforcement, many members of these networks fled, slipping across the border into Thailand through remote and illegal crossings.
Investigators believe the group arrived at the Bangkok condominium around 4 a.m. on November 27 after making their way through Tak province. Police said the unit had been rented for a year by a Chinese woman who claimed to be the girlfriend of one of the suspects. She told officers she knew only him and two of his close friends and denied any involvement with—or knowledge of—the other individuals staying in the unit.
Authorities seized multiple electronic devices and documents during the raid, which are now being analyzed for evidence of cross-border fraud operations. Thai police say the arrests form part of a broader crackdown on international scam syndicates that have been migrating across Southeast Asia as countries tighten enforcement.
Police emphasized that Thailand will continue to work with neighboring nations to track, arrest, and dismantle these networks, which have ensnared victims across Asia and beyond. Further investigations are ongoing as authorities work to determine the full scope of the group’s activities and connections.
