The Anti-Online Crime Operation Centre (AOC 1441) in Thailand has been actively tackling online scams, with multiple actions reported in the first three months of 2025.
Specifically, AOC 1441 ordered the suspension of 135,279 mule bank accounts and the arrest of 869 account holders during this period. These mule accounts are typically used by scammers to launder money, often opened by individuals who may be unaware of the full extent of their involvement in criminal activities or coerced into participation.
The AOC, established on November 1, 2023, operates as a one-stop service under the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES), coordinating with agencies like the Bank of Thailand, the Royal Thai Police, and the Anti-Money Laundering Office.
It uses the 1441 hotline to receive public complaints and facilitate rapid responses, such as freezing suspicious accounts within minutes to prevent further financial harm.
This crackdown builds on earlier successes, with the AOC having suspended over 547,000 mule accounts from its inception through February 2025. The arrests of 869 individuals in 2025’s first quarter indicate a focus on holding account holders accountable, with potential penalties including up to three years in prison, fines of 300,000 baht, and civil lawsuits from victims.
While these figures show progress, the scale of the problem suggests online scams remain a persistent challenge, particularly on platforms like social media and through call centres. The AOC’s integrated approach, combining technology, law enforcement, and public education, aims to stop this trend, but complete eradication is acknowledged as difficult.
