Thai cybercrime police bust $96 million online gambling ring disguised as agri trading firm
Thai cybercrime police have reportedly dismantled a sophisticated syndicate that laundered over 3.2 billion baht (US$95.95 million) through a fake agricultural trading company. The operation was allegedly linked to a large-scale gambling website, Fun586, operated by foreign nationals using Thai citizens as local fronts.
Fake agri-business nabbed
The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) confirmed that six Thai nationals—five men and one woman—were arrested during coordinated raids in Bangkok and Songkhla. The suspects had created a fictitious agricultural business to cover the gambling operation and opened numerous mule accounts to facilitate the illicit financial flows.
“The company existed only on paper. When we visited the registered address, it turned out to be a small room in a row house,” said Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phiewphan, chief of the CCIB, during a press briefing in Khon Kaen on Saturday, the Bangkok Post reported.
Interpol’s support sought
Authorities say the betting money was routed from gamblers to mule accounts, then funnelled through the fake company before ultimately reaching the website’s operators — identified as two Chinese nationals and one Indonesian. Arrest warrants have been issued, and the CCIB is now working with Interpol to locate and apprehend the foreign ringleaders.
The investigation has revealed a network of over 25 individuals, including 20+ Thais and six foreign nationals — five Malaysians and one Cambodian — all of whom are now facing arrest warrants for their alleged involvement.
The bust is being seen as part of Thailand’s intensified effort to rein in the country’s burgeoning underground gambling market. It also coincides with renewed government efforts to legalise land-based casinos and potentially regulate online gaming as part of a broader entertainment complex bill currently under consideration.
Legalising gambling remains controversial in Thailand, with concerns ranging from moral opposition to addiction risks. Proponents argue that regulation could curb criminal syndicates and generate substantial tax revenue for the state.
