THAILAND: Thai authorities have uncovered a sophisticated phone scam network rerouting operations through Singapore, reflecting an evolution in tactics traditionally based in Cambodia.
The breakthrough came with the arrest of 19-year-old Chinese national Minghong and his girlfriend during a raid in Bangkok’s Bang Kapi district on 25 December 2024.
The Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) revealed that the scammers used virtual SIM technology and rerouted signals through Singapore, making detection and tracking more challenging.
Police seized advanced telecommunications equipment, including eight SIM-less box devices, routers, and surveillance tools, from a fifth-floor apartment in Ramkhamhaeng.
Minghong, who entered Thailand on a student visa, allegedly ran a scamming network spanning at least 14 rented properties across Bangkok. The operation came to light after a victim in Ayutthaya province reported losing 10,600 baht to scammers.
A month-long investigation led authorities to Minghong’s central office, equipped with CCTV for remote monitoring.
Shift to virtual SIMs and cross-border operations
According to Police Commissioner Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, the shift to virtual SIM cards and Singapore-based routing signals represents a significant adaptation by scammers.
“These criminals are constantly evolving their methods,” said Commissioner Thatchai. “They’ve moved away from physical SIM cards entirely, operating with overseas-based virtual SIMs to evade local prosecution.”
Thai authorities believe the move to Singaporean routing is a deliberate strategy to evade detection and complicate enforcement efforts. The signal redirection adds a layer of complexity to investigations, as authorities now face challenges in pinpointing the physical origins of the calls.
During the raid, police confiscated equipment designed to enable seamless virtual communication and signal rerouting. The suspects face multiple charges, including the unauthorized possession and operation of telecommunications equipment and using unauthorised frequency bands. Both individuals are now in custody at Hua Mak Police Station for further legal proceedings.
Authorities stress the importance of collaboration with banks and telecom providers to prevent the proliferation of mule accounts, often used to launder funds generated by scams. These accounts are typically opened by individuals with irregular employment histories but exhibit high transaction volumes.
“Digital evidence is readily available, but we need quicker data access from service providers,” said Commissioner Thatchai. “Banks must also assist by preventing the opening of mule accounts. Their cooperation will significantly disrupt these operations.”
The arrests come as Thai authorities face increasing pressure to eliminate call centre scams by 2025, a deadline set by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Commissioner Thatchai expressed confidence in achieving this target despite the criminals’ increasingly sophisticated tactics.
Efforts to dismantle the scam network are ongoing, with weekly and monthly directives issued to telecom providers and financial institutions. Additionally, authorities are examining data exchange protocols between Thailand and Singapore to facilitate faster detection and action.
The Online Citizen has reached out to the Ministry of Digital Development and Information, copying the Ministry of Home Affairs, seeking clarification on the allegations and will include their response in our coverage if and when they reply.
