22:06
25 Nov
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) in Thailand has seized two luxury villas after busting an illegal gambling ring that is alleged to have a daily turnover of ฿ึ72 billion, equivalent to US$2 billion.
The size of the operation has shocked the authorities, with nothing else coming close to this size in previous busts.
A fortnight ago, the illegal online gambling firm “UFAV8” was busted in Bangkok, purportedly turning over ฿ึ600 billion per year. That’s quite a way from ฿ึ72 billion per day.
Director General Police Major Suriya Singhakamol told the awaiting media that his team had confiscated two luxury villas worth an estimated ฿ึ2 billion.
he two properties boast an outstanding view over Nai Harn Bay with a combined size of 3.75 acres.
The Phuket News reported that a suspect known only as Phakphum was arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport on November 4. When questioned he denied any connection to the UFA gambling network but eventually relented and told the authorities he worked as a revenue manager.
Phakphum was confronted with hard evidence that he was linked to 80 mule accounts that had been opened in the name of migrant manual workers who were paid a fee for the use of their identities.
Shockingly, these 80 accounts accounted for only 3% of the network’s turnover from what is currently coming from 83 different websites.
Police Major Suriya told the media that anybody connected to the network via holding assets should turn themselves in right away or face a raft of charges related to money laundering.
Speaking about Phakphum, he said:
“ Only 29-years-old, Phakphum lived a simple life, without luxury car or much property, but he travelled abroad regularly.
“Evidence connected him to more than 80 mule accounts that he managed, with 50 mule accounts belonging to migrant workers at small factories who opened and sold accounts for gambling websites.
“Another 30 accounts were found in the names of Thai people. Each account had billions in turnover.”
He added that the police were now seeking a Mr Phuchit who is suspected of leading the entire network. His sister, Ms Phonpansa, and 13 associates, are also wanted for their different roles in the company.