Thailand: 19 arrested over alleged online gambling network
The group was allegedly running an online gambling network with a monthly circulation of US$3m.
Thailand. – Officers have made a series of arrests connected to alleged online gambling sites operating from Bangkok.
According to police, those arrested had rented three condominium rooms in one building from where they conducted online gambling operations through the website PGSLOT889.com.
The police seized 30 monitors, 8 computers, 27 mobile phones, 17 ATM cards and seven bank account books.
Eight men and 11 women were arrested. Officers believe the online gambling network had a monthly circulation of US$3m in bets.
Online gambling is illegal in Thailand. However, according to local media, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is considering the possibility of legalisation.
In April officers from the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) made a series of arrests over alleged online gambling sites operating from Nang Rong, a town in the northeastern province of Buriram.
Those arrested had rented a house to open an office but are accused of operating 10 online gambling websites, including www.sajoker123.com.
The police seized 30 computer monitors, 31 mobile phones, 20 desk computers, six internet routers, ten ATM cards, and 16 bank account books, as well as 26 notepads with the names of customers.
All 16 administrators confessed to gambling charges. Police found the gambling network had a monthly circulation of THB50m (US$1.6m).
In February, there was a case that involved Siapo Po-arnon, a former celebrity boxer and House adviser on gambling.
Siapo Po-arnon’s house in the Phasicharoen district of Bangkok was one of seven places raided by Crime Suppression Division officers following an investigation into an alleged online gambling network.
Police also arrested Pacharapol Chansawang and 25 workers from Myanmar. According to the Bangkok Post, offers seized a gun and 11 bullets.
Authorities in Thailand also found public officials were involved in gaming operations.
Some 53 officers from the level of police general to police inspector, and 200 from the level of deputy inspector down to squad leader, are suspected of facilitating illegal casinos in the east of the country.
