Earlier today, law enforcement authorities in Pattaya conducted a raid on a residence suspected to serve as a central hub for a significant Indian online gambling operation. The operation uncovered compelling evidence of daily transactions surpassing 200 million rupees, equivalent to approximately 100 million Thai baht.
The meticulously planned raid took place at noon on June 11th, with a collaborative effort from a task force comprising officers from the Chonburi Provincial Police, Pattaya Police, Nongprue Police, Anti-Transnational Crime Division, and Pattaya Tourist Police.
Based on intelligence provided by concerned citizens regarding illicit gambling activities at a property on Soi Sukhumvit 91/2 in Pattaya, authorities secured a search warrant from the Pattaya Provincial Court.
With over 50 officers surrounding the premises, the raid unfolded, revealing nearly 10 individuals of Indian nationality engrossed in online gambling operations such as baccarat, poker, slots, and sports betting. Further investigation upstairs uncovered additional Indian nationals asleep in a bedroom.
All 21 suspects apprehended during the raid were Indian nationals, some holding student or tourist visas, while others lacked passports. None possessed legal work permits, a requirement obviously unmet for operating illegal gambling platforms.
Substantial evidence was confiscated during the operation, including computers, laptops, mobile phones, and Thai SIM cards. Notably, handwritten notes in Hindi outlining work schedules, bank account details, and gambling regulations adorned the walls, alongside clocks displaying time zones for India, the United Arab Emirates (Dubai), and Thailand. The operation’s records indicated daily transactions exceeding 200 million rupees or 100 million baht.
Interrogation of one suspect revealed that since August 2023, the group had rented the property for 30,000 baht per month to serve as a call center managing financial transactions for seven online gambling websites with servers based in the Philippines. Primarily catering to customers from India, with a minority from Dubai, each operator worked eight-hour shifts.
While some suspects entered Thailand legally, others overstayed their visas. Authorities suspect that some individuals managed to evade arrest and remain at large within Chonburi.
All detained individuals will face charges related to illegal gambling and immigration violations before deportation and subsequent blacklisting from Thailand.
creditTPN
