Major Data Trafficking Ring Dismantled in Nationwide Raids
Authorities have apprehended nine individuals suspected of involvement in a large-scale personal data trafficking operation, which has reportedly caused losses exceeding 2 billion baht. The arrests followed a significant law enforcement operation that targeted 22 locations across the country.
Operation ‘Cut Down Scam 2’ Yields Key Arrests
Officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) announced the successful conclusion of the operation, codenamed ‘Cut Down Scam 2’, during a press conference on June 23. This latest crackdown builds upon an earlier investigation late last year, which led to the detention of six suspects. Initial findings from that operation indicated that personal data belonging to over nine million individuals in Thailand had been compromised. This sensitive information included names, ages, phone numbers, and addresses, with nearly 500 images of identification cards also recovered.
Data Sold to Scam Operations
Investigators believe the illicitly obtained data was being sold to call center scam groups at a price of approximately 10 baht per record. The scope of the criminal activity is underscored by the 13,677 complaints filed through an online reporting system, detailing total reported losses in excess of 2 billion baht. The identification of further suspects prompted the launch of the ‘Cut Down Scam 2’ operation.
Nationwide Sweep Targets Multiple Provinces
The recent enforcement action saw officers conduct raids at 22 targeted locations spanning numerous provinces, including Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Lampang, Nakhon Sawan, Lop Buri, Khon Kaen, Amnat Charoen, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ayutthaya, and Bangkok.
Suspects and Seized Items
The nine individuals arrested have been identified as Boonrak (26), Somkuan (53), Saengkaeo (24), Azharie (21), Chakkri (38), Poonsab (31), Watin (23), Nanthawant (29), and Weerayut (31). Law enforcement seized a substantial quantity of items during the raids, including five laptops, six desktop computers, a phone farm unit, two data storage devices, 31 mobile phones and tablets, 112 SIM cards, 10 bankbooks, three ATM cards, two personal loan cards, one car, three passports, two firearms with 42 rounds of ammunition, and 775,000 baht in cash.
Charges Filed Under Technology and Data Protection Laws
The suspects face charges under multiple statutes, including the Royal Decree on the Prevention and Suppression of Technology-Related Crimes, the Personal Data Protection Act, the Computer Crime Act, and the Criminal Code. Details regarding potential penalties were not immediately available.
