In Bangkok, two Chinese citizens have been apprehended on suspicion of orchestrating a sophisticated SMS scam. The suspects posed as tourist guides and employed advanced technology to send deceptive messages, as reported by Khaosod English.
The fraudulent scheme involved the use of counterfeit base stations to jam mobile operator signals and distribute fraudulent links to phones within a 3-kilometer radius. The fraudsters targeted high-traffic areas of Bangkok such as Iconsiam, Asiatique, and Centralworld, managing to send messages to over 30,000 numbers within a few days.
On January 9, 2025, law enforcement carried out a raid in the Buang Kum area, leading to the arrest of two suspects identified as 49-year-old Mr. Lee and 47-year-old Mr. Zhu. Authorities confiscated a vehicle containing equipment, 11 mobile phones, more than 30 SIM cards, and bank cards.
The operation was conducted jointly by Thai cyber police and engineers from Advanced Info Service (AIS). Investigations revealed that the suspects entered Thailand in December 2024, claiming to be tourist guides, but evidence suggests their involvement in fraudulent activities.
Despite the suspects’ denial of guilt, alleging that the vehicle belonged to a friend, law enforcement has evidence indicating their participation in the scam for at least four days prior to their apprehension.
Currently, a third suspect, also of Chinese nationality, is at large and suspected of renting accommodation in the same area. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to identify all individuals involved in the scheme.
Charenhachai, the Director of Corporate Communications at AIS, emphasized that legitimate mobile operators never send messages containing links. Such practices are typically associated with scammers attempting to deceive individuals into disclosing sensitive information, including banking details.