Thai-Australian Sting Operation Disrupts Fraud Ring, 13 Foreign Nationals Arrested
In a significant crackdown, the Thai Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) have successfully dismantled a transnational scam network involving nationals from Australia, Britain, Canada, and South Africa. This operation, dubbed Operation Firestorm, has led to the arrest of 13 individuals who are believed to have defrauded victims of at least S$1.3 million (approximately 2 million Australian dollars).
The results of this operation were announced at a press conference held at the CIB headquarters in Bangkok on June 17, 2025, led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphop Phuridech, CIB Commander, alongside Ms. Kristie-Lee Cressy, a Senior Officer of the AFP.
A Long-Running Criminal Operation
Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphop revealed that the AFP had been investigating this criminal group for over 20 years, during which they had targeted Australian citizens. While some members were apprehended in Indonesia, the British and Australian leaders of the gang managed to escape to Thailand, where they established a “boiler room” call centre operation.
The call centre was designed to lure Australian citizens into fraudulent bond investments, promising high returns of 7-10% annually over a period of 1-3 years. Upon discovering the operation, the AFP sought cooperation from the CIB to conduct a joint investigation.
Ms. Kristie highlighted the alarming scale of scam cases in Australia, with losses exceeding S$5.1 billion (4.45 billion Australian dollars) over the past four years. The group was reportedly laundering money through cryptocurrency channels. “The money we say was stolen from hard-working Australians was not invested as promised. Shutting down this scam centre is a significant win for the communities of Thailand and Australia,” she stated.
Surveillance and Raid
Investigations indicated that gang members had been operating in Pattaya since early 2024 before relocating to Bangkok. Key figures were observed meeting at a hotel on Chalem Phrakiat Rama 9 Road in the Dok Mai area of Prawet District.
Officers tracked the group to a residence in Moo 9, Bang Phli Yai Subdistrict, in Samut Prakan Province. The property, listed for sale at S$2.7 million (approximately 70 million baht) or available for rent at S$4,800 monthly (120,000 baht), featured tight security measures, including perimeter fencing and CCTV cameras.
Surveillance footage revealed that four vehicles regularly entered the premises around 5:00 a.m. and left around 3:30 p.m., aligning with Sydney business hours. The group’s secretive behaviour included covering vehicles upon entering the garage to conceal the occupants.
Evidence and Arrests
Armed with a court search warrant, officers raided the residence on June 16 at approximately 8:30 a.m. They discovered foreign nationals seated in a makeshift office space, actively making phone calls. Each workstation was equipped with computers, laptops, mobile phones, and documents related to the fraudulent investment schemes.
Computer data revealed over 14,000 Australian names, with some confirmed as actual fraud victims. Preliminary investigations indicate damages exceeding S$1.3 million (2 million Australian dollars or approximately 40 million baht).
Immigration records showed that none of the suspects possessed valid work permits in Thailand. When questioned, all admitted to lacking proper work authorisation and could not provide valid documentation.
Operation Firestorm resulted in the arrest of 13 foreign nationals: 5 Australians, 6 British, 1 Canadian, and 1 South African. Key figures identified include Mr. Mark, 54, an Australian national, and Mr. Mark Andrew, 56, a British national, both identified by the AFP as leaders of the operation.
Authorities seized 58 items of electronic equipment and documents, including computers, network equipment, laptops, investment solicitation scripts, and mobile phones. All suspects now face charges for criminal conspiracy and illegal employment as temporary residents without proper authorisation.
Defendants initially denied any wrongdoing, claiming they were recruited by friends for legitimate work found through job websites, offering a salary of S$3,000 (3,000 Australian dollars) plus a 2.5% commission for soliciting investments from provided contact lists.
Pol. Col. Ploen Klinphayom, Deputy Commander of Immigration Division 3, confirmed that all 13 suspects entered Thailand on various visas without overstaying. Following legal proceedings, their visas will be revoked, and they will be permanently blacklisted from re-entering Thailand.