Pattaya, Chonburi – January 30th, 2026 – Thailand’s Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) officers raided a luxury condominium in Pattaya on the evening of January 30th, arresting two Chinese nationals believed to be part of an online scam network operating a “call center” style fraud and communication interception setup.
The operation was led by Pol Col Suphakorn Thanyakam, Deputy Commander of CCIB Region 4, under orders from Pol Lt Gen Surapol Prembutr, Commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau. Officers from CCIB, Nongprue Police Station, and Immigration Police Region 3 executed a search warrant (No. 29/2569) issued by Pattaya Provincial Court. They targeted a sixth-floor unit in a condominium in Moo 12.
During the raid, authorities detained two Chinese men: Mr. Liu Meng, 39, and Mr. Shao Zhong, 49. The room was littered with numerous mobile phones displaying continuous incoming Chinese-language notifications via the Telegram app, raising suspicions of active scam communications.
Officers seized a large quantity of electronic devices and items, including:
– 26 mobile phones of various brands
– 2 Huawei laptop computers
– 1 internet router
– 4 notebooks containing records
– 103,400 baht in cash
When questioned about passwords for the devices, both suspects evaded answers, claiming the phones did not belong to them and that they did not know the access codes. The items have been sent for forensic digital analysis by cyber police specialists.
In initial questioning, the two men denied using the equipment for scams against Thai victims, instead claiming it was used to defraud fellow Chinese nationals through fake investment schemes and romance scams, with proceeds allegedly going directly to an unknown and mysterious “boss.” However, investigators remain skeptical due to inconsistencies in evidence and statements, and suspect involvement in broader operations, including OTP interception for online fraud.
Initially, charges were filed under the Immigration Act. Mr. Liu Meng also faces accusations of overstaying his visa by more than 260 days (residing in the kingdom after permission expired), while Mr. Shao Zhong is also charged with failing to notify a change of residence as a foreigner under Section 37. Both are in custody pending further proceedings.
The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau is continuing its probe to expand the case, trace accomplices, uncover links to other scam groups, and follow money trails for potential asset seizures related to cybercrimes.
This raid is part of ongoing efforts by Thai authorities to crack down on transnational scam networks, many of which use condos and villas in tourist areas like Pattaya as bases for defrauding victims worldwide.
