Following an alleged online scam involving cryptocurrency investment, authorities from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) have apprehended two suspects for reportedly defrauding a businessman of over 300 million baht.
The female suspect, identified as Athima, 32, was captured in Chon Buri’s Nong Prue district, while her male alleged accomplice, Atthaphol, 38, was arrested in Nong Kung Si district of Kalasin.
Both individuals have been charged with several offenses, including colluding in public fraud, inputting false information into a computer system, and money laundering, as confirmed by Pol Col Adichart Amornpradit from CCIB division 3. However, he refrained from disclosing their full names.
The investigation began after a businessman lodged a complaint with the police, claiming that he fell victim to an investment scam related to cryptocurrency trading last July. The perpetrator, operating under the Line chat account name “Oil,” purportedly enticed the businessman with promises of lucrative investment opportunities in shares and cryptocurrency through online conversations. The victim was directed to invest in USDT cryptocurrency via a website link provided by “Oil.”
Trusting the interactions, the businessman transferred funds for investment purposes, under the impression that he would receive returns. However, when he attempted to withdraw profits, he realized he had been deceived, according to Pol Col Adichart. The businessman estimated his losses to exceed 300 million baht.
In response, Pol Lt Gen Worawat Watnakhonbancha, the CCIB commissioner, initiated an inquiry, leading to the successful arrest of the two suspects, Ms. Athima and Mr. Atthaphol. They are currently in police custody awaiting legal proceedings.
Photo credit Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau
