KOH PHANGAN, THAILAND — A 54-year-old German man, David Guy Hamburger, has been arrested on the island of Koh Phangan for allegedly operating a fraudulent investment scheme that targeted victims in Australia.
Thai police launched coordinated raids across four locations on Tuesday. Hamburger was taken into custody while riding a motorcycle near his residence. Investigators then searched his home, seizing assets valued at over 19 million baht (approximately USD $515,000), which authorities believe were obtained through the scam.
Upon inspecting two laptops, officers discovered scripted sales pitches used to lure Australians into fake stock investments, along with detailed records of victims. Police said the scheme appeared highly organized, with scripts specifically designed to convince investors that they were dealing with a legitimate financial firm.
Authorities also searched three additional sites linked to Hamburger:
A law office on Koh Phangan
Montana Realty, a local real estate agency
A residence on Koh Samui, registered under his Thai wife’s name
All three locations are believed to be connected to nominee companies allegedly used to launder proceeds from the scam.
Thai authorities said the arrest came after a tip-off from Australian law enforcement, who reported multiple citizens falling victim to an online investment scam traced back to Thailand.
Hamburger had reportedly been living on Koh Phangan for over five years on a retirement visa and ran several businesses, including a villa rental company, a construction firm, and a restaurant. These enterprises may have served as fronts to disguise the proceeds of the fraudulent activity.
The case is now under investigation by Thai and Australian authorities, with cross-border cooperation continuing to identify and assist victims.
