Bust of 'Merit Money' Investment Scam Gang: 1,000 Victims Swindled Out of Millions

On February 3, 2026, the Crime Suppression Division led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Pattanasak Buppasuwan conducted a press conference announcing the arrest of an 11-member investment fraud gang operating under the 'Merit Money' scheme. The suspects, ranging in age from 39 to 65, were charged with multiple offenses including fraud, illegal borrowing, computer data falsification, and money laundering. The scam targeted primarily elderly and retired individuals, promising an extraordinary return of 1 million baht for a 1,000 baht investment. The gang used LINE application groups and deceptive tactics, falsely claiming connections to royal projects and government initiatives to build credibility. Victims were pressured with urgent language and threats of losing investment opportunities. Police seized significant evidence including 4 cars, 1 motorcycle, 22 land titles, 3 semi-automatic weapons, 21 mobile phones, 110 bank passbooks, 12 ATM cards, gold jewelry, and other assets totaling approximately 250 million baht. The investigation revealed a systematic network that systematically exploited vulnerable individuals, with no actual investments taking place.