Bangkok: A significant stride in the fight against online fraud was made as the Anti-Fraud Center (ACSC) collaborated with the FBI and Meta to dismantle a large online scam network in Southeast Asia. This joint operation also involved law enforcement agencies from 10 countries globally.
According to Thai News Agency, the Anti-Cyber Scam Center (ACSC) of the Royal Thai Police, in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Department of Justice's Scam Center Strike Force, and Meta, led the second "Joint Disruption Week" in Bangkok. This operation targeted organized cybercrime networks extensively operating across Southeast Asia and beyond.
For this initiative, ACSC expanded its collaboration with global partners. Working with Meta and law enforcement agencies from the United States, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Indonesia, ACSC focused on exchanging information and expertise. This effort facilitated real-world operations, intensified investigations, and fostered long-term cooperation to tackle fraud at its source. LINE, a regional technology partner, also engaged in discussions during this operation.
As a result of this operation and shared information with law enforcement partners, Meta's officers deactivated over 150,000 accounts linked to the scam network. Further, the information provided by Meta enabled the Royal Thai Police to arrest 21 suspects. Investigations revealed that one transnational scam network had enticed more than 300 Thai victims to work at scam centers near the border.
This collaboration builds on a successful pilot operation in December 2025, which led to the removal of 59,000 accounts, pages, and groups from Meta's platform and resulted in the issuance of six arrest warrants.
Online fraud operations have evolved in recent years, becoming more sophisticated and industrially organized. Transnational criminal groups operate coordinated networks as businesses, aiming to steal victims' savings, undermine trust, and evade detection. Combating these networks requires ongoing action and close cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the technology industry.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Jirapop Phuridej, Assistant Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police and Deputy Director of the Anti-Online Crime Center, emphasized that online crime is a serious threat targeting families, friends, and neighbors. He highlighted that these criminal networks operate across borders, causing significant damage to communities and the economy. The operation demonstrates the power of cooperation between the public and private sectors and sends a clear message that the Royal Thai Police and its partners are committed to eradicating online crime, ensuring safety for all citizens.
Chris Sonderby, Vice President and Deputy Legal Counsel of Meta, expressed the company's commitment to partnering with global law enforcement in combating sophisticated fraud networks. He noted that the operation reflects the impact of sharing information and expertise in disrupting criminal activity. Meta remains committed to investing in technology and collaboration to stop malicious individuals.