In a significant breakthrough on November 2, Thailand’s Cyber Police dismantled an online loan scam network that defrauded a renowned national footballer of nearly 2.7 million baht. The arrest followed the orders of Police Major General Jirawat Payungtham and his deputy, Police Major General Atthasit Sudsangwan, who oversaw the investigation.
The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Wanchai Sriduang from Nakhon Sawan, was apprehended under a warrant issued by the Thanyaburi Provincial Court. He faces multiple counts of fraud and computer-related offenses, including collaborating to deceive the public and disseminating false information through computer systems.
The case dates back to December 2, 2023, when the victim, a midfielder for a prominent Thai League club and the national team, sought a loan. In his online search, he encountered a fraudulent website advertising loan services under the name “Ratchaphruek Capital.” After initiating contact via Line, the victim requested a loan of 600,000 baht.
The scammers posed as loan officials and manipulated the situation, prompting the victim to transfer various fees for supposed loan processing, including:
- 33,600 baht for loan protection fees
- 98,500 baht for AI verification
- 208,000 baht for a new CVV code
- 550,000 baht for credit top-up
In total, the victim transferred funds in 12 transactions, amassing a staggering 2,696,950 baht. The final request demanded a deposit of 1 million baht to verify his identity. Realizing he had been scammed, the footballer reported the crime to the Cyber Police.
Following the complaint, investigators from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) linked Wanchai to the fraudulent scheme, where he allegedly acted as a “money mule.” Police gathered sufficient evidence to secure a court-approved arrest warrant and apprehended him near his residence in Nakhon Sawan. During initial questioning, Wanchai confessed to his involvement in the scam.
The Cyber Police have reiterated the importance of caution when seeking financial assistance online and are continuing efforts to track down other members of the scam network.
