Pattaya, Thailand-
In a coordinated law enforcement operation, Chonburi police have dismantled what appears to be an international online gambling hub operating from a residential property in the Banglamung area. The raid, conducted following reports of suspicious activities, led to the discovery of a sophisticated setup used for illegal online gambling.
Upon entering the two-story house, authorities encountered a network of surveillance cameras and 13 South Korean men, along with one female employee and a Myanmar national working as a cleaner. The setup included over 40 computers, split between 24 desktops and 12 laptops, spread across two rooms. The site, known as “myrunking01,” was offering various gambling services including baccarat, slots, and sports betting, servicing over 20,000 users globally, with a notable concentration from South Korea. Notably, Thai citizens were excluded from the platform’s user base.
The police seized a significant amount of evidence during the raid, including 28 mobile phones, more than 20 South Korean passports, and nearly 40 one-time password (OTP) devices. The operation also extended to two additional properties in the vicinity, rented for staff housing, where further evidence was collected after some South Korean residents had fled, leaving behind some items and an unopened safe.
Investigations revealed that the group had been leasing the main property for approximately three months, during which time they managed to circulate over 120 million baht. Chonburi police have indicated plans to broaden their investigation, collaborating with the South Korean embassy to address the involvement of foreign nationals in online gambling and related call center scams within Thailand’s borders.
Local residents noted that the South Koreans had been part of the community for nearly a year, maintaining a low profile and frequently seen commuting on scooters.
Photos: Chonburi Police.
