Bangkok: Cyber police launched Operation “Close the Mountain, Raid the Gambling Den in Northern Thailand,” arresting the owner of the website “HENG168,” along with his entire network. Over the first half of the year, the operation generated 200 million baht in revenue, and seized over 40 million baht in assets.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Maj. Gen. Chatchapanthakarn Klayklueng, Deputy Commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division, announced the results of this operation which led to the arrest of the website’s owner and his network. The operation uncovered a circulation of 200 million baht in the first half of the year, with assets worth over 40 million baht now confiscated. These funds will be sent to the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) for further investigation.
The investigation, conducted by the News Analysis and Special Equipment Division of the Technology Crime Suppression Division 3, revealed that the online gambling platforms, HENG168 and THUFLIKE networks, were publicly accessible and targeted at youth. Individuals involved in the network had specific roles, from recruiting members to managing financial transactions related to gambling activities.
Investigators traced a money trail showing over 1,000 members and a total turnover exceeding 200 million baht in the last six months. The operation was primarily based in Chiang Mai. Consequently, authorities secured court permissions to search five locations and issued arrest warrants for 12 accomplices, including a juvenile suspect who received a summons.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Khomkrit Sukthai, Commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division 3, confirmed the arrest of nine individuals, including page administrators and financial operators involved in the gambling scheme.
Pol. Col. Chatchapanthakarn detailed the confiscation of various items during the search, including computers, mobile devices, bankbooks, ATM cards, luxury goods, vehicles, and property, totaling over 40 million baht. The suspects face charges of “jointly organizing online gambling (baccarat)” and “jointly conspiring to launder money.” Most have confessed and are cooperating with AMLO’s investigation.