A 35-year-old Chinese man has been arrested in Bangkok for allegedly orchestrating an international credit card fraud network that targeted thousands of victims across five Asian countries, including Singapore. The arrest was carried out by Thailand’s immigration police, who seized more than 10 million baht (approximately S$380,000) worth of evidence.
The haul included over 5,000 stolen credit card records, 70 mobile phones, gold bars weighing 20 baht, more than 400,000 baht in cash, cryptocurrency valued at around nine million baht, and a vehicle. Investigators believe the suspect’s activities form part of a sophisticated cybercrime in Asia syndicate.
Authorities say the stolen card data was used to purchase gold and high-end smartphones, which were then resold. The proceeds were converted into cryptocurrency to hide the money trail, a common tactic in cryptocurrency laundering cases.
Raided in Bangkok’s Khlong Sam Wa District
Acting on a search warrant from the Minburi Criminal Court, officers raided the suspect’s residence in Soi Phraya Suren 9, located in the Bang Chan subdistrict of Khlong Sam Wa. The suspect, identified only as Mr. Yupeng, was taken into custody without incident.
Police investigations revealed that Yupeng had been using the encrypted messaging app Telegram to communicate with his network. He allegedly directed accomplices to use stolen card details to make online purchases, particularly gold and smartphones. These items were then sold at shopping centres in Bangkok’s Pathum Wan area.
Before reselling the phones, Yupeng reportedly erased all stored data to eliminate any link to the victims. According to police, he had been running this operation for over 10 months.
Facing Prosecution and Wider Investigations
Yupeng has been initially charged with the unauthorised possession and use of other people’s electronic cards. His case has been referred to Bang Chan Police Station for further legal proceedings.
Thai authorities are now coordinating with commercial banks and cybercrime units across the region to trace the full extent of the network. Given that victims span multiple countries—China, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand—international cooperation will be key to dismantling the syndicate.
This high-profile arrest underscores the growing threat to digital payment security in Southeast Asia, where transnational cybercriminal groups increasingly exploit online platforms to commit fraud and launder illicit funds.
Image Source: Khao Sod