Bangkok: Thai cyber police have arrested a Bulgarian man accused of secretly installing devices designed to disrupt ATM operations across Thailand. The latest report indicates that a total of 13 ATMs have been affected.

According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trirong Phiwpaen, Commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division, explained that financial institutions alerted police officers about a thief who used a master key to unlock ATMs, remove computer data transmission cables, and replace them with altered cables. The tampering caused significant damage to the affected banks.

The investigation team utilized CCTV footage from the crime scenes and escape routes to determine that the suspect did not act alone. The culprit used a rented white Honda City car to carry out the crimes. Police traced the rental car company and gathered information about the individual who rented the vehicle.

Further surveillance of the suspect’s activities revealed the use of data transmission lines capable of transmitting virus data via internet signals from a SIM card installed within the lines. This setup was used to disrupt both the ATM cabinets and the electrical systems.

With sufficient evidence, investigators obtained search and arrest warrants. A search in a luxury village within Bang Plap Subdistrict, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi Province, led to the arrest of Mr. Ivan Valchev, a 50-year-old Bulgarian national. During the search of his residence, stolen data transmission cables and computer equipment were discovered, which are believed to contain information pertinent to the crime. The police have pressed multiple charges against Valchev.

The charges include crimes involving theft at night facilitated by a vehicle, illegal electronic interception of computer data, and causing disruptions to computer systems, which could potentially affect national security, public safety, and economic security. These acts were allegedly committed against computer systems used for public banking services, involving illegal access to protected computer data.

Initially, Valchev denied all charges. The authorities have taken him to the investigation officer for further legal proceedings. Police efforts are ongoing to locate additional suspects and expand the investigation to uncover other individuals involved in the crime.