Bangkok: Thai and South Korean police have successfully dismantled a South Korean call center gang known for luring students into fraudulent activities and subsequently assaulting them, leading to the tragic death of one student.

According to Thai News Agency, the Central Investigation Bureau, in collaboration with South Korean law enforcement, arrested Mr. Ham, a Chinese national, on charges of extradition and coercion, following warrants from Interpol and a South Korean court. Mr. Chen, another Chinese national, was also apprehended for drug use. The operation targeted a transnational scamming ring that exploited advertisements to trap victims into working at the scam center, confiscating their passports and using threats to prevent escape. The gang also forced victims to use their bank accounts for illicit activities. Disturbingly, Mr. Ham was linked to a fatal assault on a South Korean student, evidenced by a video found on his laptop showing him using an electric shock device on a victim.

Following the crime, Mr. Ham escaped to Thailand, prompting authorities to raid a residence in Pattaya, Chonburi province, where they discovered three Chinese nationals. Mr. Ham was subsequently charged and handed over to the Public Prosecutor's Office for further legal action.

During the raid, Mr. Chen was found to be under the influence of methamphetamine, confirmed by a positive urine test. He admitted to drug use and was taken into custody at Nong Prue Police Station in Chonburi Province. The third Chinese national present was not found guilty of any wrongdoing, but investigations continue to determine any potential involvement in drug trafficking.

Initial investigations have not yet linked any victims to Thailand, but authorities are continuing their search for further evidence.