CIB Launches Major Operation: Raids 23 Locations Across 16 Provinces, Arrests 22 Suspects Linked to Call Center Gang and Mule Accounts
Police arrested 22 suspects across 16 provinces in a major CIB operation targeting an illegal alien smuggling ring and call center fraud network that laundered over 185 million baht through mule accounts.
The Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) launched a major operation with coordinated raids at 23 locations across 16 provinces on May 21, 2025. Police commanders ordered simultaneous searches in Bangkok, Chanthaburi, Rayong, Nakhon Pathom, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Kamphaeng Phet, Tak, Chainat, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Sisaket, Trang, and surrounding areas, resulting in the arrest of 22 suspects.
The investigation revealed a systematic criminal network involved in smuggling Chinese nationals illegally into and out of Thailand. The operation uncovered evidence of organized activities including transportation of foreign nationals, use of multiple vehicles for smuggling, money transfers, multi-tiered bank accounts, and exploitation of corporate entities as financial conduits.
Suspects 1-13 face charges of "conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens and money laundering," while suspects 14-22 are charged with supporting fraud schemes, uploading false data into computer systems, and allowing others to use their bank and electronic accounts for cybercrime purposes.
Police seized significant assets including cash, account books, credit cards, vehicles, gold, land titles, religious amulets, and firearms valued at over 20 million baht. The operation followed the arrest of 42 Chinese nationals in late November 2024 in Poeng Nam Ron district, Chanthaburi province, during which 215 mobile phones were confiscated.
Investigation revealed the suspects operated a hierarchical criminal organization with commanders, coordinators, vehicle providers, and financial supporters. Evidence indicated involvement in online fraud networks, with investigators tracking 181 related fraud cases and 665 transactions totaling over 185 million baht in circulation. Authorities believe the network operates as a cross-border organized crime group using online crime proceeds to fund Chinese smuggling operations.
