Two Singaporean men have been charged in Thailand over allegations that they recruited Thai women for prostitution services in Singapore as part of a suspected cross-border online network.
According to Thai media outlet The Nation, the men are among five suspects facing criminal proceedings in Thailand over their alleged involvement in a network known as “Lover’s Fortress”.
Police Investigate Suspected Online Network
The five suspects comprise two Singaporean men aged 42 and 46, two Thai women aged 33 and 37, and a 35-year-old Thai man.
Thai police carried out operations in Rayong and Phitsanulok as part of the investigation. Officers reportedly examined financial transactions believed to be linked to proceeds from prostitution before obtaining arrest warrants for the suspects.
During the operations, authorities seized items valued at more than 350,000 baht (approximately S$13,277). These included 15 mobile phones, three computers and laptops, 16 bank passbooks, 10 ATM cards, 100,000 baht (around S$3,793) in cash, and jewellery.
The seized items are believed to be relevant to the investigation into the alleged online prostitution operation and its financial activities.
Suspects Face Multiple Charges
According to The Nation, the group faces several alleged prostitution-related offences, including recruiting women and promoting prostitution services.
The suspects are also facing charges relating to money laundering and participation in a transnational criminal organisation.
The allegations suggest that the suspected operation involved multiple individuals handling different aspects of the business, from recruiting women to managing customer enquiries and financial transactions.
However, the charges remain allegations, and the suspects will have to go through the legal process in Thailand.
Singaporean Suspect Allegedly Admits to Recruitment
During initial questioning, the 46-year-old Singaporean man reportedly admitted to recruiting Thai women for prostitution in Singapore since 2019.
He also identified the 42-year-old Singaporean man as his business partner. According to the police account cited by The Nation, the pair communicated with customers through messaging platforms including Telegram, LINE and WhatsApp.
The 37-year-old Thai woman was allegedly responsible for finding customers, setting up online storefronts and coordinating with accommodation providers.
Meanwhile, the 33-year-old Thai woman acknowledged allowing her bank account to be used but reportedly maintained that she did not know what it would be used for.
The 35-year-old Thai man allegedly worked as an administrator, responding to customer enquiries and editing photographs of women associated with the network. He reportedly received instructions from the 37-year-old woman.
Investigation Continues
Following the initial questioning, the five suspects were referred to investigators for further legal proceedings, The Nation reported.
The case highlights how authorities are investigating suspected cross-border criminal networks that allegedly use online platforms to connect customers with prostitution services while managing payments through financial accounts.
The investigation will determine the respective roles of the five suspects and whether the alleged activities amount to the offences they have been charged with.
The suspects’ guilt has not been established in court, and further legal proceedings are expected to follow in Thailand.