BANGKOK, Thailand – On December 17, 2024, officers from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) arrested a Malaysian man, Kim Lim Hao, and his Thai wife, Pattama, for operating a money laundering scheme tied to a gambling website. The couple was apprehended during a raid on a luxury house in Bangkok’s Ratchaphruek area.
The operation, led by Thatchai Pitaneerabut, assistant to the Royal Thai Police (RTP) Commissioner, and Trairong Phewphan, acting Commissioner of CCIB, targeted seven locations across Bangkok and nearby provinces linked to the laundering activities. Investigations revealed that the couple had been using the luxury property as an office for their company, which was legally registered to operate multiple businesses, including entertainment venues and restaurants. However, it was found that many of these businesses were not operating and did not generate any profits.
Further investigation into the company’s finances uncovered over 1 billion baht in transactions, with funds originating from businesses connected to scam operations. Police suspect the company was involved in laundering money for gambling websites and may have also supported illegal activities linked to call center scam gangs.
Kim Lim Hao, who registered the company, legally owned 49% of the shares, while his wife Pattama held the remaining 51%. Pattama claimed she was unaware of the company’s illegal activities despite her involvement in its registration. During the raid, police confiscated over 4 million baht in cash, designer handbags, luxury watches, and other valuables.
Authorities plan to continue their investigation to uncover further connections to other scam networks involved in this money laundering operation.
