Bangkok: Thai cyber police have apprehended a Bulgarian man accused of secretly installing devices to disrupt ATM operations across Thailand. The latest reports indicate that 13 ATMs were affected by these disruptions.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trirong Phiwpaen, Commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division, revealed that financial institutions alerted the police to a suspect using a master key to unlock ATMs. The suspect allegedly removed and stole the original data transmission cables from inside the ATMs, resulting in damage to 13 machines and consequent financial losses for the banks.
The investigation, which included reviewing CCTV footage from crime scenes and escape routes, disclosed that the suspect did not act alone. He allegedly used a rented white Honda City car to carry out the crimes. By tracing the rental car, police gathered information about the suspect.
The suspect’s activities were closely monitored, leading to evidence that confirmed his actions. It was found that the criminals had replaced the original data transmission lines with ones capable of transmitting virus data. This was achieved by using an internet signal from a SIM card embedded in the cables, which disrupted the ATMs’ operations and electrical systems.
Investigators gathered sufficient evidence to obtain search and arrest warrants. They conducted a search in a luxury village in Bang Plap Subdistrict, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi Province, where they found Ivan Valchev, a 50-year-old Bulgarian national, who was named in the arrest warrant. During the search of Valchev’s residence, police discovered stolen data transmission cables and computer equipment suspected to contain crime-related information, which were seized for further digital evidence examination. Consequently, charges were pressed against him.
The charges include jointly committing theft at night by damaging protective barriers, using a vehicle to facilitate the crime or escape, intercepting and illegally modifying computer data, and actions that obstruct or damage computer systems related to national security or public services. The charges also cover fraudulent access to computer data with specific access prevention measures intended for unauthorized use.
Valchev initially denied all charges and was taken to the investigation officer for legal proceedings. Meanwhile, police are actively pursuing other suspects involved in the crime and are expanding investigations to uncover further connections.