Bangkok: The Metropolitan Police Bureau has arrested individuals involved in a Hong Kong stock trading scam that utilized mule accounts to defraud victims. The suspects allegedly promised lucrative returns on investments, only to demand additional fees under false pretenses. Among those arrested was 29-year-old Mr. Metchaiyakiat, who claimed ignorance of his account’s criminal use, stating it was opened at a friend’s request.
According to Thai News Agency, the arrest of Mr. Metchaiyakiat was executed under an arrest warrant issued by the Min Buri Criminal Court, dated September 13, 2567. The charges include ‘jointly defrauding others and importing distorted or forged computer data.’ The apprehension took place on the Tha Sao-Nong Dong road in Phichit Province.
Further investigation revealed another warrant for Mr. Metchaiyakiat’s arrest from March 2566, related to a separate charge of ‘jointly committing theft at night.’ This charge was linked to an incident where a victim, lured by a Facebook advertisement
, invested in Hong Kong stocks through a Line Open Chat group. Initially, the victim received a satisfactory return, prompting further investments totaling 30,000 baht, which were transferred to accounts under different names, including Mr. Metchaiyakiat’s.
The scam’s modus operandi involved withholding funds under the guise of unpaid ‘charity fund’ fees and ‘Hong Kong stock tax,’ prompting victims to transfer additional money. When the victim grew suspicious, they reported the incident, leading to the current arrests and legal proceedings.
During questioning, Mr. Metchaiyakiat admitted to opening a bank account for a friend purportedly for online gambling, believing it was legal. He received no compensation for this favor. Upon learning of the arrest warrant against him, he was transferred to Sai Mai Police Station for further legal processing.