Chiang Rai Bust: $900,000 Daily Cambodian Scam Ring Dismantled
Chiang Rai, Thailand—A 21-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a massive transnational cybercrime operation. Buraphon Yodthu, apprehended in Mae Fa Luang district, Chiang Rai province, is accused of laundering approximately $900,000 USD (30 million baht) daily for a network of call-center scam operations based in Poipet, Cambodia. His arrest exposes a sophisticated money-laundering scheme supporting a vast criminal enterprise.
The arrest, conducted by the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) of the Royal Thai Police, culminates a months-long investigation codenamed “Lockdown the Cat.” Launched in April 2023 following a scam targeting a former Thai government official—who lost over 10 million baht—the investigation initially focused on individuals directly involved in the scams, including mule account holders, recruiters, call-center staff, and interpreters. These arrests led investigators to Mr. Yodthu.
According to Pol Maj Gen Athip Pongsiwapai, TCSD commander, Mr. Yodthu was a key financial component of the operation, managing the illicit flow of funds generated by approximately 70 scam gangs operating from Poipet. This Cambodian border town, known for its casinos and lax regulatory environment, provides a strategic location for such operations, offering proximity to Thailand while operating outside its direct legal jurisdiction.
Apprehended on Doi Mae Salong hill, Mr. Yodthu reportedly confessed to working in a Poipet office serving as the central money-laundering hub for the network. He admitted to receiving an 8–12% commission on laundered funds—a substantial sum considering the daily volume. Laundering 30 million baht daily equates to nearly 11 billion baht annually, highlighting the immense scale of this criminal enterprise.
This arrest illuminates the increasingly complex nature of transnational cybercrime and the challenges law enforcement faces in combating sophisticated operations. The cross-border element adds significant complexity, requiring international cooperation and advanced investigative techniques. Operation “Lockdown the Cat” demonstrates the effectiveness of relentlessly pursuing these cases, targeting not just perpetrators but also the critical infrastructure—such as money-laundering operations—that sustains them.
While Mr. Yodthu’s arrest represents a significant victory for the TCSD, the investigation continues. Authorities will pursue leads to dismantle the entire network, including the apprehension of the Chinese ringleader and other key figures. This case also underscores the need for increased public awareness campaigns to educate potential victims about these scams and protective measures. The exploitation of technology for criminal purposes is a growing global concern, requiring international cooperation and robust domestic law enforcement to mitigate the threat.
