Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced on Wednesday that his administration would intensify Thailand’s nationwide campaign against online scams following the massive seizure of assets worth more than 10 billion baht. The assets were linked to major suspects operating from Cambodia and connected to a sprawling network of fraudulent activity dating back to 2021.
Speaking at the Central Investigation Bureau in Bangkok, Mr. Anutin emphasized that the government’s crackdown would continue without exception or leniency for anyone involved. He stressed that all investigations would rely strictly on evidence and documented wrongdoing, and that every implicated individual would face legal consequences regardless of their status or background.
“There will not be any leniency,” the prime minister said. “Investigation will be based on evidence and the behaviours of wrongdoers. Legal action will be taken against them without any prejudice for any individuals.” He added that daily enforcement operations would continue until authorities restored order and ensured the safety of the public.
Pol Maj Gen Sophon Sarapat, deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, explained that the sweeping seizure stemmed from complaints filed by roughly 700 victims of online scams. Investigators traced the flow of stolen funds through several layers of mule accounts, eventually determining that a large portion of the money had been funneled into only two bank accounts.
These accounts—held at Bangkok Bank and Kasikornbank—belonged to Cambodian businessman Yim Leak. Investigators reported that more than 3 billion baht ultimately ended up under his control.
Building on this discovery, police identified 42 suspects connected to the operation. Twenty-nine have been arrested, while 13 remain at large, including Yim Leak, his Thai wife Wiranya, and another Cambodian national. Police raids were conducted at 50 locations across 22 provinces, leading to the confiscation of a broad range of assets totaling 10.16 billion baht. These included six stock trading accounts containing securities valued at 8.1 billion baht, eight luxury vehicles, an 800-million-baht yacht, over a billion baht in cash across bank accounts, and three land plots.
Thepsu Bowornchotedara, secretary-general of the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo), said the suspects had established front companies to launder illicit funds. These firms allegedly purchased properties and acquired shares in Thai listed companies, including Bangchak Corporation. According to Mr. Thepsu, Yim Leak and his wife used an associate known as Miss Taengthai to handle their financial transactions.
Miss Taengthai also facilitated transactions for South African businessman Benjamin Mauerberger, also known as Ben Smith, who is based in Bangkok. Between 2017 and 2022, she handled more than 15 billion baht in transactions on behalf of the group, Mr. Thepsu said.
Amlo plans to request within 90 days that prosecutors move to permanently confiscate the seized assets. Once approved, the properties and funds will be auctioned, with proceeds returned to scam victims.
Mauerberger has been the subject of a two-year investigation by journalists Tom Wright and Bradley Hope. Their Whale Hunting project outlines how he used connections in Thailand and Cambodia to build what they describe as a “shadow empire” valued at roughly $1.5 billion. His network allegedly acquired major stakes in Thai listed companies, including Bangchak Plc and Finansia X Plc. One transaction involving the latter is linked to the resignation of former deputy finance minister Vorapak Tanyawong in October.
