Thai CIB Arrests Malaysian and Thai Couple in 800 Million Baht Investment Scam

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) in Bangkok, Thailand, announced on Thursday the arrest of Lim Chin, a 38-year-old Malaysian man, and his Thai wife Saowalak. The couple was apprehended while crossing the border from Malaysia to the Sadao district of Songkhla. They are accused of running investment scams via fake mobile applications, resulting in 800 million baht in victim losses.

The arrest came after numerous complaints about investment scams promoted through Facebook posts featuring images of well-known securities experts. Victims were enticed into using fake apps called "Nicshare" and "ComonApps," but only received returns at the beginning.

The CIB identified more than 50 victims who collectively lost around 800 million baht. The investment scam gang included other Thai and foreign individuals, with financial transactions totaling approximately 5 billion baht. Over the past few months, the CIB sought arrest warrants for about 50 suspects connected to the scam network.

The CIB has identified Lim Chin as a gang leader, reporting that he and his wife facilitated the establishment of companies to create mule bank accounts. These accounts were sold to parties in Southeast Asian countries and were linked to call scam centers, online gambling networks, and other illicit activities.