BANGKOK — The Thai Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and Australian Federal Police (AFP) teamed up in Operation Firestorm to dismantle a transnational scam network involving Australian, British, Canadian, and South African nationals. The group allegedly defrauded victims of at least 2 million Australian dollars (about $1.3 million USD) through fraudulent bond investment schemes.
The announcement was made on June 17 at the CIB headquarters in Bangkok by Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphop Phuridech, CIB Commander, and Ms. Kristie-Lee Cressy, Senior AFP Officer. Investigations revealed the scam had targeted Australians for over 20 years, with key gang leaders recently fleeing to Thailand to operate a “boiler room” call center.
The call center lured Australian investors with promises of 7-10% annual returns on bond investments over 1 to 3 years. AFP’s discovery prompted a joint probe with Thai authorities.
Ms. Kristie highlighted that Australian victims have suffered damages exceeding 4.45 billion AUD over four years, with illicit funds laundered through cryptocurrency channels. “Money stolen from hardworking Australians, not invested as promised,” she said, emphasizing the operation’s importance in protecting both Thai and Australian communities.
The gang operated in Pattaya early 2024 before relocating to a heavily secured residence in Samut Prakan Province. Surveillance revealed suspicious activities timed to Sydney business hours and extensive efforts to conceal operations, including covered vehicle garages and CCTV.
A raid on June 16 uncovered a call center staffed by foreign nationals using scripts and documents to deceive investors. Investigators found over 14,000 Australian names linked to potential fraud victims.
None of the 13 arrested—5 Australians, 6 British, 1 Canadian, and 1 South African—had valid work permits. Key suspects, including Australian Mr. Mark (54) and British Mr. Mark Andrew (56), were identified as operation leaders.
All face charges for criminal conspiracy and illegal employment. The suspects claimed they were recruited for legitimate jobs promising salaries plus commissions for cold-calling customers.
Thai immigration authorities confirmed all suspects legally entered Thailand but will have their visas revoked and be blacklisted after legal proceedings.
