Bangkok: Cyber ??police have broadened their investigation into the Chinese thief "Mingchen Shan," uncovering a cache of weapons and assets valued at over 583 million baht after conducting searches at 14 locations.

According to Thai News Agency, at the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau headquarters in Muang Thong Thani, various officials, including Pol. Lt. Gen. Surapol Prembutr and other high-ranking members of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, announced the results of Operation 'Dragon's Lair Bombing.' This operation led to the arrest of a Chinese-funded illicit network headed by Mr. Mingchen Sun, 30, a Chinese national linked to the large scamming gang known as the Prince Group.

The investigation originated from a car accident involving Mr. Mingchen Sun in the Na Chom Thian area of Chonburi Province in May. Subsequent investigations at his residence uncovered a cache of weapons and high-explosives, prompting his prosecution.

Cyber police traced financial activities by integrating data from five major cases involving scams targeting fake investment platforms, managed by various police stations and the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau 2. They discovered conclusive evidence that a bank account under the name of Mr. Ming Chenshan received over 100 million baht, transferred through a network of accomplice accounts.

Further probing into the online complaint system revealed that the account was linked to over 4,000 cybercrime cases, resulting in damages exceeding 815 million baht. Consequently, on June 9th, a raid was conducted at 14 locations across Bangkok, Samut Prakan, and Chiang Mai. The operation targeted asset management and money transfers within the network. Numerous luxury assets were seized and frozen, including houses, villas, condominiums, cars, land deeds, and a significant amount of digital evidence, with a total value exceeding 583 million baht.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Surapol indicated that Mr. Mingchen Sun is considered a key figure within this transnational organized crime syndicate. In response, the Royal Thai Police and Cyber Police have formed a joint working group to delve deeper into the case, accelerating the analysis of digital evidence to trace the financial system. This effort aims to track down and seize remaining assets and issue arrest warrants for additional high-ranking syndicate members.