Bangkok: The Anti-Online Fraud Center (ACSC), in collaboration with the Central Investigation Bureau and the Highway Police, has launched an extensive operation targeting a transnational human trafficking network. This network has been using Thailand as a transit hub to smuggle individuals from neighboring countries and other regions onward to Malaysia.

According to Thai News Agency, investigations conducted between February and September 2016 uncovered five incidents involving 26 suspects, comprising 6 Thais, 19 Chinese, and 1 Taiwanese. Authorities seized six vehicles and over 150 mobile phones linked to these offenses. The Thai suspects face charges of aiding and abetting illegal immigrants to evade arrest, as well as transporting illegal immigrants into the Kingdom. Meanwhile, the Chinese and Taiwanese suspects have been charged with entering and residing in Thailand without permission.

Investigations revealed a consistent pattern of illegal entry into Thailand, followed by travel southward with the ultimate goal of reaching Malaysia. Authorities are expanding their investigation to capture additional members of the network. The smugglers' relocation and escape routes are part of a business operation designed to erase old evidence and obstruct traceability, facilitating the search for new locations for further fraudulent activities. During the transfer, Thai individuals involved may have believed they were simply contracted and not part of the criminal operation. However, comprehensive analysis indicates that this is a coordinated business, with hired individuals potentially being integral parts of the organization.