Bangkok: The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has struck a significant blow against a network of brokers involved in human trafficking and money laundering, following a series of coordinated raids across five provinces in Thailand. The operation, named "The Transporter Operation," led to the arrest of four suspects and the seizure of assets valued at over 114 million baht.
According to Thai News Agency, the operation was spearheaded by Pol. Maj. Gen. Chananat Sarathavalyaep, Commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division, who mobilized over 200 officers to raid nine locations in Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Phitsanulok, Kamphaeng Phet, and Tak. The arrested individuals include one Chinese national and three Thai nationals, all linked to a call center scam network. They face charges of conspiracy to defraud the public, introducing false information into a computer system, and money laundering.
The investigation revealed that the network was involved in a fraudulent investment scheme through a fake application called "Tkshop," affecting nearly a hundred victims. The scheme impersonated the TikTokshop platform, tricking victims into transferring investment funds with fabricated profit images. At least 88 victims have been identified, with damages exceeding 25 million baht. The investigation also uncovered 67 dummy accounts used to circulate the money, with damages surpassing 15 million baht.
Authorities discovered that the network was instrumental in transporting people and equipment across borders to call center operations in neighboring countries, highlighting its role in transnational organized crime. Seized assets, including cash, vehicles, luxury homes, and branded goods, have been transferred to the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) for further investigation.
The network utilized online channels to hire smugglers for cross-border transport, involving people and equipment related to online crime, such as satellite communication devices and large sums of cash. Evidence suggests the cash was transferred in stages between networks in Thailand and neighboring countries. The arrests in Thailand represent only a part of the network, with other members operating overseas.
Service fees for transportation varied, with costs reaching as high as 700,000 baht per person during periods when immigration checkpoints were closed. Current investigations have not found evidence of human trafficking or forced abduction, but indicate a pattern of "hired transport" dictated by employers.
Financial investigations revealed that the suspects laundered money by converting it into cryptocurrency and transferring it through multiple accounts to avoid detection. The cryptocurrency was then converted back into Thai baht and invested in assets like real estate. Authorities also discovered that money was disguised as legal transactions through purchases of tractors and agricultural equipment.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Chananat emphasized that this operation is only a part of the broader network, with ongoing investigations targeting high-ranking members, including foreigners. He cautioned the public against falling for online investment scams and highlighted the risks of selling bank accounts, which could lead to money laundering charges.
The network's methods were also linked to the "Poipet Cadet" case of 2024, involving impersonation of police officers to defraud nearly 200 victims, resulting in damages exceeding 100 million baht. The case led to a series of arrests, including the call center group, black market account handlers, and a key Chinese suspect believed to be the network's mastermind. Following these arrests, AMLO has been handling related assets, issuing orders to seize and freeze them, valued at approximately 35 million baht.
AMLO has opened channels for victims to file petitions for rights protection and asset distribution from December 12, 2025, to March 11, 2026, to ensure compensation is provided according to legal procedures.