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Mr Prasert Chandraruangthong, Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DE), alongside Mr Suthikiat Weerakijpanich, Advisor to the Minister of Digital Economy and Society, and other officials, has held a press conference on Operation “The Purge.” This initiative, aimed at eradicating global criminal activities, especially targeting foreign leaders of the Hybrid Scam gang, has resulted in the successful seizure of assets worth more than 250 million baht, which will be returned to the victims.
Building on the achievements of Operation “Trust No One” EP.1-5, where victims were unfortunately deceived into investing in a Hybrid Scam, investigators uncovered the methods used by criminals to persuade victims to invest in digital currencies through fake platforms. The recent efforts of cyber police led to the identification and arrest of key suspects. Victims are now encouraged to submit requests for the return of their assets, marking a step towards justice.
Further investigation revealed that criminals utilised various social media platforms to contact individuals, promising profitable returns through trading cryptocurrencies. This operation also led to the identification and arrest of 26 individuals involved in the scam. Assets were frozen, and legal actions are underway to address fraud and money laundering charges.
In light of this, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE) underscores its commitment to combating technological crimes, highlighting the collaborative efforts with the Royal Thai Police and related agencies. These efforts are pivotal in addressing transnational crimes, as evidenced by the exchange of security information with neighbouring countries.
This cooperative approach is instrumental in identifying and dismantling criminal networks involved in various illicit activities, such as call centres, online gambling, ghost sims, and fraudulent bank accounts. The ongoing efforts reflect the government’s steadfast dedication to protecting its citizens from digital threats and ensuring a safe digital environment.
Operation “The Purge” marks a significant milestone in Thailand’s ongoing battle against digital crimes, symbolising the government’s resolute commitment to creating a secure digital space for its populace.
This operation not only targets cyber criminals but also serves as a deterrent to potential offenders, sending a strong message that criminal activities in the digital sphere will not be tolerated. The success of Operation “The Purge” underscores the government’s proactive approach to combating cyber threats and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens’ digital interactions.
The evolving nature of cybersecurity threats, the government acknowledges the importance of continuous improvement in cybersecurity measures. This includes enhancing cybersecurity infrastructure and promoting digital literacy among the populace to raise awareness about the risks associated with digital transactions. By empowering citizens with knowledge and skills to protect themselves online, Thailand aims to strengthen its cybersecurity framework and mitigate the impact of emerging digital threats.
Based on the OpenGov Asia report, previously, Mr Prasert Chandraruangthong, along with the Royal Thai Police, Police Commander Pol Gen Kittarath Phanphet and other officials, announced the successful results of “Operation Cyber Strike.” This operation targeted individuals involved in cyber-related crimes through two separate efforts, demonstrating a significant commitment by the Thai authorities to combat cybercrime.
Authorities successfully identified nine related websites, leading to the arrest of seventeen suspects and the seizure of various items. This achievement underscores their commitment to combating cybercrime and ensuring a safer digital environment for all.
Building on this success, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has urged the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society to take further action. Specifically, the FTI has requested the shutdown of 7,612 online gambling websites. This proactive approach aligns with efforts to dismantle call centre gangs, online gambling sites, and other criminal activities, demonstrating a concerted effort to safeguard the public from digital threats.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society of Thailand remains committed to adapting to cybersecurity challenges. Through initiatives like Operation “The Purge” and “Operation Cyber Strike”, the government seeks to position itself as a leader in cybersecurity and digital innovation, paving the way for a safer and more secure digital environment for all its citizens.
