Bangkok: The Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau has announced a significant breakthrough in the operation dubbed ‘Breaking down the illegal identity card gang, laundering their identities to become Thais’. The operation involved searching 10 locations across the country and resulted in the arrest of nine suspects who were part of a gang impersonating deceased individuals to acquire Thai citizenship for foreigners.
According to Thai News Agency, the Central Investigation Bureau, under the leadership of Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphop Phuridet, spearheaded this operation. The Crime Suppression Division played a crucial role in apprehending the suspects and dismantling the illegal network. The operation targeted suspects who used forged documents and impersonated deceased individuals to fraudulently obtain Thai identity cards for foreign nationals.
The investigation led to the arrest of two primary suspects. Mr. Kyar Htaw, also known as Mr. Ja To, a Myanmar national, was arrested in Uttaradit Province. Mr. Pao Chan, a hill tribe individual without registration information, was apprehended in Samut Prakan Province. Both were charged with forgery and using forged official documents, among other offenses, as per warrants issued by the Criminal Court.
The operation also netted seven individuals accused of certifying false identity information. The suspects were arrested at various locations, including Mae Hong Son, Tak, Phuket, Pathum Thani, and Bangkok. These individuals face charges related to providing false information to officials and involvement in the fraudulent acquisition of Thai identity cards.
The investigation traces back to a complaint received by the Crime Suppression Division in April 2015. The complaint involved a social media post on the Chinese platform Xiaohongshu, which advertised Thai ID card services using a sample ID image identified as “Mr. Sombun Wannasarkhee.” Further probes uncovered a smuggling network that facilitated the fraudulent ID application process.
The Crime Suppression Division’s investigation revealed that the gang used deceased individuals’ identities to create fake Thai ID cards for foreigners. The process involved presenting false documents and using accomplices to falsely certify familial relationships. The operation led to the issuance of fraudulent ID cards, enabling foreigners to claim Thai nationality and associated rights.
On July 21, arrest warrants were issued for 12 individuals, including those using the fake ID cards and accomplices involved in the operation. On July 23, police arrested nine suspects and seized relevant evidence, which was handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings.
The operation highlights a scheme where the gang targeted foreign clients through advertisements on social media. They exploited Thai families, using deceased individuals’ details to create false identities. The fraudulent operation charged clients between 300,000 to 1 million baht per transaction. Profits were shared among the gang, including payments to families and guarantors involved in the fraud.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphop stated that the investigation is ongoing to identify other individuals and groups involved, including potential Chinese financiers and marketers. The authorities are also examining possible connections with government officials. The Central Investigation Bureau is committed to dismantling similar identity card fraud rings and prosecuting those involved.
The public is urged to report any suspicious activities related to Thai ID card fraud to the Central Investigation Bureau or local police stations. The CIB is also advising the Ministry of Interior on preventive measures to combat such fraud.