22 Cambodians and 3 Thai nationals arrested for illegal border crossing linked to 'Fi-Fa' scam network
Authorities arrested 22 Cambodians and 3 Thai nationals attempting illegal border crossing in Sa Kaew province; one Thai suspect was connected to a 'Fi-Fa' investment scam network operating in Cambodia.
On May 21, Burapha Forces and the 12th Ranger Regiment control unit conducted border patrol operations in the Pa Rai Noi area of Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaew province, when they discovered a large group of people attempting to illegally cross into Thailand through a natural passage. Officers apprehended 22 Cambodian nationals with small children and 3 Thai citizens, all lacking travel documents and with no human smugglers found at the scene.
The 22 Cambodian workers stated they had previously worked in Thailand, returned home, and were attempting to sneak back in for employment. They admitted to paying 7,500 baht each to smugglers for border crossing fees.
One of the arrested Thai nationals revealed he had worked as an admin in the 'Fi-Fa' network, scamming people into investment schemes in Cambodia through Facebook and Line, earning up to 25,000 baht monthly. He was later smuggled across the border to work in the SKYDO and LPP SKY buildings in Poipet.
Another Thai woman disclosed she had been a nursing assistant in Chiang Mai before being recruited by a friend to work for the 'Fi-Fa' network in Cambodia under false promises of good income. She eventually fell into the illegal online scam cycle and escaped after a crackdown. All suspects were transferred to Khlong Luek Police Station for legal proceedings.
