Bangkok: 'Yi Tankhun' has taken the lead in filing a complaint with the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECSD) against 'Mr. M.', who is accused of defrauding a group of young victims out of more than 5 million baht in a Pok©mon card investment scheme gone awry.

According to Thai News Agency, the complaint was initiated by an 11-year-old boy who lost over 1 million baht in the scam, alongside more than 20 other victims. The total damages reportedly exceed 5 million baht. Mr. Tankhun Jittisara, representing the group, revealed that the perpetrator identified as "Mr. M." used his connections within the trading card community to lure victims into investing in rare Pok©mon and other trading cards. Promising high-value items from overseas, Mr. M. failed to deliver the goods and eventually severed all contact, leaving victims without recourse.

Mr. Tankhun Jittisara explained that "Mr. M." had ingratiated himself into card game events, posing as an industry expert capable of sourcing rare collector's items. Initially, he fulfilled orders, building trust among his victims. However, as the orders increased, he began making excuses for delays, such as customs issues and additional taxes. Eventually, he stopped delivering the promised goods altogether, leading to the complaint filed with the ECSD.

One 22-year-old victim recounted losing hundreds of thousands of baht after placing multiple orders with Mr. M., who had initially delivered and built a rapport through mutual friends. Mr. M. encouraged larger investments by claiming to have special connections for importing rare cards. When the victim sought the goods, Mr. M. made excuses before cutting off contact entirely.

Mr. Chatchanapong Kaewthong, an event organizer, corroborated these accounts, noting that Mr. M. frequented card game events to build connections, particularly with young people. He warned collectors to verify sellers' backgrounds and transaction proofs, especially when large sums are involved.

Mr. Thankun highlighted the importance of regulation in the growing card game industry, which is increasingly tied to competition and the creative economy. He called on authorities, including Ms. Chidchanok, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, to ensure a safe environment for young participants and prevent fraud.

The police are urged to expedite their investigation into "Mr. M." and identify any additional victims. With at least 25 complaints filed and damages over 5 million baht, the case underscores the need for stringent verification measures in the high-stakes collectible card market, where some items are valued at hundreds of millions of baht.