Police Arrest 56 in 250-Million-Baht Corporate Account Scam
Thai police have arrested 56 suspects across 15 provinces in a major crackdown on a corporate account scam network linked to at least 130 fraud cases with damages exceeding 250 million baht. The operation, dubbed "Highway Scam Hunter EP.5," began with a single investment fraud victim who lost over 111 million baht through 122 transactions. Three key organizers — identified as Ms. May, Ms. Tam, and Ms. Yok — were apprehended for recruiting nominees, managing accounts, and coordinating cash withdrawals.
On November 5, 2026, at the Command Center of the Anti-Online Scam Center (ACSC) under the Royal Thai Police, a press conference was held to announce the results of the "Highway Scam Hunter EP.5" operation, which expanded the crackdown on networks of nominee corporate accounts. The event was led by Deputy National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Itthiphol Atchariyapradit, acting as ACSC Director, and Assistant National Police Chief Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphop Phuridet, acting as ACSC Deputy Director, along with senior officers from the Technology Crime Suppression Division and related units.
Pol. Col. Phakhon Suchon stated that the investigation stemmed from an investment fraud case with a single victim. The victim was lured via a Facebook page inviting stock trading investments, then contacted through LINE by someone posing as an investment expert who promised returns. The victim was convinced to transfer money into specified accounts. When attempting to withdraw, the victim was repeatedly asked to pay fees, security deposits, account closure fees, and taxes — told additional payments were required to receive the funds. This led the victim to transfer money 122 times, totaling over 111.69 million baht.
Police traced the money flow into multiple corporate accounts and expanded the investigation from previously arrested suspects, whose statements aligned regarding the account procurers and controllers. Examination of transaction records, chat logs, photos, and identity verification data linked the account nominees, withdrawal instructors, and ultimate cash recipients. This led to arrest warrants and the apprehension of three key suspects: Ms. May, Ms. Tam, and Ms. Yok.
Investigation revealed Ms. May recruited individuals to open accounts, received account books and phones, and directed withdrawal amounts. Ms. Tam accompanied people to open accounts and withdrew cash alongside Ms. May. One witness stated they had opened an account for Ms. Yok; after it was frozen, they were advised to contact Ms. Yok for help preparing documents and coordinating the account unfreezing, with Ms. Yok claiming to have associates who could facilitate this.
Upon arresting the suspect group, police seized numerous sets of corporate account books with paired mobile phones used to control them — accounts prepared for criminal use. Data checks linked these to at least 130 other online fraud cases, with combined damages exceeding 250 million baht.
The arrested suspects originate from 15 provinces nationwide, including Bangkok (13), Pathum Thani (4), Samut Prakan and Ratchaburi (2 each), plus one each from Kanchanaburi, Chiang Mai, Phetchaburi, Saraburi, Sisaket, Samut Sakhon, Chon Buri, Chachoengsao, Phitsanulok, Ubon Ratchathani, and Roi Et.
The investigation uncovered three primary methods used to procure nominee corporate accounts.
