Thai authorities have dismantled a large-scale investment scam that falsely claimed endorsement from United States President Donald Trump and promised extraordinary returns of up to 20 times the initial investment. Officers from the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) and the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECCD) carried out coordinated raids across six provinces, arresting six people linked to the elaborate scheme.
Pol Maj Gen Thatphum Jarupat, ECCD commander, said officers executed warrants in Khon Kaen, Amnat Charoen, Ubon Ratchathani, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, and Bangkok. The main suspect, 57-year-old Athinath (surname withheld), was arrested along with five alleged accomplices. Charges include fraud, deceptive lending, and uploading false information into computer systems.
During the raids, police seized eight mobile phones, three laptops, a tablet, 22 bank books, 33 forged foreign documents, and a fabricated “unblocking certificate” that appeared to bear President Trump’s signature. Officers also confiscated a forged HSBC China bank statement claiming a balance of US$900 billion, which the suspects allegedly used to impress potential investors.
Investigators said the group promoted a fake Nigerian oil fund investment, collecting more than 13 million baht from victims nationwide. All documents presented to back the scheme were later confirmed to be forged. Authorities found that the money had been funneled through 22 bank accounts, with some of it converted into digital assets to obscure its trail.
The suspects organised fundraising sessions at hotels across multiple provinces, later moving victims into private Line groups where they held weekly online meetings. Members were convinced to pay supposed fees, taxes, and “international processing charges.” Some victims lost their life savings and were pressured into borrowing money to continue investing, hoping to recover earlier losses.
In a separate case, TCSD officers arrested four more suspects in Bangkok linked to another online investment scam, allegedly operated under the direction of a Chinese organiser.
The suspects—Chaiyarin, 29; Warunee, 28; Siripatsorn, 34; and Peeraphong, 38—face charges including fraud, submitting false computer data, conspiracy, and money laundering. Police said the group ran a fake Facebook page called “Matcha Chatramue” to lure people into Line chat groups with around 350 members. Inside the groups, victims were persuaded to join fabricated investment programs.
According to investigators, Chaiyarin and Siripatsorn worked as cash withdrawers, earning between 1,000 and 1,500 baht per day. Warunee and Peeraphong admitted they helped manage the operation, stating that they were paid by a Chinese boss known as “Amu” to recruit mule accounts and cash collectors. Stolen funds were reportedly converted into USDT cryptocurrency.
Authorities warn that Thailand has become a major hub for investment fraud in 2025 due to its strong digital infrastructure, international appeal, and proximity to regional scam centres. A report from the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) shows that investment scams account for 66% of scam cases in Thailand, causing over 115 billion baht in losses annually.
With more than 166,000 cybercrime cases logged in the first half of 2025, police stress that both locals and foreigners remain vulnerable. Fraudsters commonly lure victims through fake social-media pages, investment apps, and cryptocurrency platforms, underscoring the need for increased awareness and stronger digital safeguards.
