Major Cambodian call center leader suspected in significant online gambling network
In a significant development, Thailand's Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) is delving deeper into the activities of Kok An, a Sino-Cambodian senator and businessman, who is already facing charges for his alleged role in call center scams defrauding Thai citizens of billions of baht each year.
The investigation, spearheaded by Pol Lt Gen Trirong Piwpan, Commissioner of the CCIB, was expanded to probe Kok An's alleged involvement in a major online gambling ring, Lucabet123plus, generating over 10 million baht monthly. The online gambling network is said to have been traced by investigators on August 16, following financial transactions connected to Lucabet123plus.
Arrest warrants have been issued for Kok An and 20 associates on charges including organizing illegal gambling, advertising, money laundering, and facilitating unauthorized gambling sites. The ongoing operation has seen the seizure of luxury vehicles, large amounts of cash, and documents tied to these illicit activities.
Beyond gambling, Kok An's criminal activities are believed to extend to transnational call center scams, illegal gambling, money laundering conspiracy, and facilitating unauthorized online gambling. Thai authorities are investigating his role as a beneficiary in large scam networks and unlicensed gambling operations, as well as probing other potential criminal activities such as corruption, forced land evictions, cyber scams, and human trafficking.
Pol Maj Gen Supakorn Phiu-on, Commander of CCIB Division 5, has been instructed to delve deeper into Kok An's possible involvement in other criminal activities. Given Kok An's controversial associations with corruption, forced land evictions, cybercrime, and human trafficking allegations, this investigation takes on a broader context beyond merely gambling offenses.
The investigation portrays Kok An as a key figure in a multifaceted criminal enterprise involving cyber scams, illegal gambling, money laundering, and other unlawful activities exploiting cross-border loopholes. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen what further revelations will come to light.
[1] "Thai cyber police probe Kok An's role in major online gambling ring, call center scams", The Nation, [Date of Publication] [2] "Kok An: The Cambodian Senator Linked to Scams and Gambling", Bangkok Post, [Date of Publication] [4] "Thai authorities seize luxury vehicles, cash in Lucabet123plus gambling ring probe", Reuters, [Date of Publication]
