Bangkok: Police from the Technology Crime Suppression Division arrested a former municipal employee who was hired to open a mule account to trick people into buying used cars on Facebook.

According to Thai News Agency, Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECSD) police arrested 29-year-old Thanet, a suspect wanted on a warrant issued by the Criminal Court, on charges of “fraud and fraud, entering distorted or forged computer data, in whole or in part, or false computer data,” at his residence in Plai Phong Phang Subdistrict, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram Province.

In November 2022, the victim discovered a Facebook page named “Kon Suay Na Ja” advertising several used cars for sale. She became interested and contacted them, leading to an agreement to sell the car. They made an appointment to view the car and sign a lease agreement at the victim’s condominium in Bang Sue District, Bangkok.

The perpetrator had the victim transfer a 5,000 baht deposit into a bank account in Thanet’s name. On the appointed day, the seller was unable to be contacted. Convinced of being scammed, the perpetrator filed a complaint with investigators at Prachachuen Police Station. This led to a court request for an arrest warrant. The Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) investigated and arrested Thanet, who had previously worked as an employee at the Ratchaburi Provincial Municipality before opening the mule account. After opening the bank account, Thanet resigned and fled, until he was finally apprehended.