Bangkok: Cyber police have intensified their investigation into a call center gang operating in the city, leading to the arrest of a Chinese national accused of purchasing a vehicle for the syndicate. The gang allegedly used a false base station device to send deceptive SMS messages to unsuspecting individuals.
According to Thai News Agency, the operation by the Cyber Police resulted in the arrest of two Chinese nationals, Mr. Li Chu Yuan, 49, and Mr. Zhu Xian Wu, 47, in the Nuan Chan Subdistrict of Bueng Kum District, Bangkok. Authorities seized a bronze Honda CR-V equipped with the false base station device, along with 11 mobile phones, bankbooks, ATM cards, and numerous mobile phone SIM cards, amounting to over 30 items on January 9.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Atsasit Sutsongwan, Pol. Maj. Gen. Sirawat Deepo, and Pol. Maj. Gen. Chatchapan Kanklaiklueng, all senior officials from the Technology Crime Suppression Division, expanded their investigation following the initial arrest. This expansion led to the apprehension of another suspect, Mr. ZENG SHAODONG, 49, on January 14, 2025. He faces charges related to the illegal possession and use of radio communication equipment, as well as unauthorized telecommunications activities. The arrest occurred at an apartment complex on Sukkasem Road in the Din Daeng District of Bangkok.
Investigators traced the sale of a grey Honda CR-V, involved in the illegal activities, back to Mr. ZENG SHAODONG, who reportedly used a false identity and passport under the name Mr. XIAD HUAQIANG to facilitate the transaction. The Cyber Police gathered sufficient evidence to secure an arrest warrant for Mr. Zeng, who was subsequently detained while returning to his residence on January 14, 2025.
Pol. Lt. Col. Sirawat highlighted that the vehicle was acquired using a counterfeit passport, prompting further investigation into whether the passport seller was aware of the forgery. He cautioned car dealerships to verify the authenticity of foreign buyers’ passports and monitor their behaviors. The vehicle was allegedly used to distribute SMS messages containing gambling links, and police are probing the extent of the suspects’ involvement.
Pol. Col. Sirawat noted that Mr. ZENG SHAODONG provided evasive statements, denying the allegations. He claimed that a Chinese acquaintance provided him with 200,000 baht to purchase the vehicle and expressed ignorance about the false base station device found in the car. Investigations revealed that Mr. Zeng entered Thailand on a tourist visa in 2015, and authorities are now working to dismantle the broader network associated with these activities.