Phuket fraud suspects arrested over mule bank account scams

A recent operation led by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) resulted in the apprehension of two fraud suspects in Phuket. They were allegedly involved in creating mule bank accounts for scam gang operators.

One of the individuals detained, referred to as Chaiphong, was arrested at a Patong residence. It was not disclosed when the arrest took place. According to the CIB, Chaiphong received a meagre payment of 1,000 baht (US$27) to establish the mule bank account.

Chaiphong was implicated in a crime involving fraud, corruption, or deceit by bringing information into a computer system that is distorted or falsified, the CIB confirmed. The arrest was a result of his association with a scam gang, which, in 2022, deceived victims through counterfeit online product advertisements.

The victims were led to believe…