Thai Police Arrest Multiple Suspects in Online Gambling Platform Raid

(AsiaGameHub) –   Thai authorities report having “taken down” the Eu9thaff gambling website, apprehending several individuals and freezing bank accounts allegedly used by the platform’s operators for money laundering.

According to the Thai news source Siamrath, a court in Phitsanulok, the provincial capital in northern Thailand, issued eight warrants for arrest.

Law enforcement officials state that four of these warrants have been served, though four additional suspects are still at large.

As of this report, the Eu9thaff website is still accessible online. Its associated social media profiles are also active but have not received updates for several days.

The platform provides users with slot and roulette-style games, facilitating transactions for deposits and withdrawals in Thai baht.

In February, the site’s operators informed Thai social media influencers that they could earn commissions of up to 45% by promoting the platform through affiliate links on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube.

The owners of the platform maintained a specialized chatroom service for prospective affiliates.

Thai Police: Four Suspects Remain at Large

In Thailand, all types of online gambling and associated advertising are prohibited. Casinos are also unlawful, though the government permits wagering at licensed horse racing venues and runs a national lottery.

Authorities stated they are persisting with “further investigations” to locate the four outstanding suspects. Investigators intend to charge all suspects with offenses such as organizing illicit electronic gambling and money laundering.

Officials reported that two of those apprehended originate from Chiang Rai Province, while the others reside in Chiang Mai Province and Phayao Province.

Two female suspects face accusations of orchestrating money laundering for the website. Police indicate that two men, one serving as a medical clinic director, handled the accounting.

During raids on multiple properties in Phitsanulok, officials reported seizing mobile phones, an imported pickup truck, bank passbooks, and 0.54 grams of ketamine.

A police spokesperson confirmed that all four suspects are being detained for interrogation prior to indictment at the Mae Ai Police Station.

Authorities are presently tracing the four remaining suspects and scrutinizing their financial dealings and assets.

Crackdown Intensifies

Thai law enforcement has escalated its anti-gambling operations in recent weeks, with investigators largely concentrating on eradicating social media-driven gambling.

Last month, officers in central Phuket announced the closure of a gambling establishment that exclusively served Russian speakers.

Police conducted a raid on the suspected den after finding advertisements for the clandestine betting operation on Instagram.

Investigators noted that the operators had “audaciously” promoted their activities on social media platforms, additionally utilizing WhatsApp groups to attract potential gamblers.