Bangkok: Thai police are actively pursuing “Kok An,” the mastermind behind a notorious call center gang. They have seized assets valued over 1.1 billion baht and are working with INTERPOL to issue a red notice for his arrest, clarifying that there are currently no connections to Thai politicians.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitaneelabutr provided an update on the crackdown of the ‘Kok An’ network. Following raids at 20 locations across Bangkok, Samut Prakan, and Chonburi, authorities confiscated 27 million baht in cash, luxury vehicles, and critical documents. Efforts are ongoing to issue additional arrest warrants and seize assets both domestically and internationally.
Pol. Gen. Thatchai highlighted the collaboration between Thai police and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which helped confirm Kok An’s ownership of several buildings in Poipet, Cambodia, used for the gang’s operations. Although Kok An remains at large in Thailand, INTERPOL has been engaged to issue a red notice, with assurances that the Thai-Cambodian border dispute will not hinder the process.
Addressing rumors about Kok An’s nationality, Pol. Gen. Thatchai dismissed claims of him holding Thai citizenship, affirming that he is solely a Cambodian national. While there are no verified links to influential Cambodian figures, it is evident that Kok An, a businessman and senator, owns facilities used by call center operations in Poipet.
Investigations reveal no connections between Kok An and Thai political figures, though inquiries continue, especially with the analysis of evidence such as bank records, mobile devices, and other documents. Cyber police have been tasked with expediting the investigation to prevent asset movement or escape.
Further insights uncovered a connection with “Hui Wan Group,” a cryptocurrency exchange in Cambodia involved in the gang’s money laundering activities and blacklisted by US authorities. INTERPOL is strategizing to curb similar money laundering operations in Cambodia, with cooperation from 196 countries.
MP Rangsiman Rome mentioned a possible involvement of ‘Hia Tue’ with Kok An, though evidence is lacking. Authorities pledged to follow up based on available leads.
Pol. Gen. Thatchai reiterated the significant ties of call center operations in Poipet to the Kok An network, one of the most extensive groups. He expressed confidence in Cambodian authorities’ commitment to dismantling these gangs, driven by societal pressure for stringent measures.
He urged the Thai public to remain vigilant against scams, emphasizing the need for societal immunity against the pervasive threat of call center fraud.