Jiraphan Prakobkit, a 30-year-old Thai woman, was arrested in Chiang Mai as part of a major anti-scam operation called ‘CIB Crushes Grey Dragon.’ The operation, conducted by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), led to the arrest of 15 suspects and the seizure of over half a million items used in fraudulent online activities.
The investigation, which began after several raids across multiple locations in Chiang Mai, uncovered a sophisticated network involving call center scammers. Authorities found that the gang had been generating fake social media accounts to sell to online criminals, using SIM boxes to produce One-Time Passwords (OTPs). These OTPs were sold for approximately 5 baht each.
Ms. Prakobkit, married to a Chinese national believed to be the gang’s leader, denied direct involvement, claiming she was only responsible for renting properties and paying utilities. Other suspects, including Chinese nationals and Myanmar citizens, were arrested for their roles in managing properties and operating the illegal equipment.
During the raids, authorities seized 642 GSM Gateways (SIM boxes), 72 computers, 1,455 mobile phones, 590,000 SIM cards, and 47 SIM card readers, totaling 592,235 items. This operation has severely disrupted a criminal network that costs billions of baht in damages annually, according to Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Phuridet.
The investigation continues as authorities work to apprehend the Chinese financiers behind the scam, who have reportedly fled the country.
