Bangkok — Thai authorities have arrested nine suspects in a major crackdown on an international fraud network that scammed victims out of more than $60 million by selling fake medical equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) conducted coordinated raids at 11 locations across five provinces on Thursday, wrapping up a five-year probe launched during the 2020 coronavirus outbreak. The investigation targeted a transnational criminal ring that operated thousands of fraudulent websites peddling non-existent COVID-era medical supplies such as face masks and medical gloves.
Global Victims and Massive Losses
The fraud ring caused losses exceeding 2 billion baht (approximately $61 million), affecting about 114 victims across 15 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Taiwan, the Netherlands, Australia, and Thailand. One victim from Vietnam reportedly lost over 8 million baht ($245,000) and traveled to Thailand to observe legal proceedings.
Key Suspects and Arrests
Among those arrested were three foreign nationals—one Nigerian and two Cameroonians—and four Thai accomplices. The ringleader, 55-year-old Nigerian Mr. Levinus, owned a Bangkok-based company, Falcon Junior Export Cargo Co., Ltd., which was used as a front for the operation.
Authorities noted the involvement of foreigners married to Thai nationals, leveraging local ties to create legitimate-looking businesses as fraud fronts.
Dramatic Raid and Money Laundering Tactics
During a dramatic raid at a Bangkok warehouse, officers found two suspects hiding. Investigators uncovered that company revenues did not align with the volume of cash flows, leading to suspicions about proxy bank accounts and use of cryptocurrency to obscure the money trail.
Mr. Levinus faces multiple charges, including transnational organized crime, computer fraud, public deception, and conspiracy to launder money.
Ongoing Investigation and Asset Recovery
The DSI classified the case as a special investigation two years ago and coordinated efforts among various agencies, utilizing forensic analysis to track the fraud. Arrest warrants remain outstanding for 24 individuals linked to the scheme.
Seized assets include vehicles, cash, and cryptocurrency holdings. The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) will oversee civil proceedings to return recovered funds to defrauded victims.
