Cyber Police Bust Online Gambling Sites in Chiang Rai, Arrest 6 Suspects

Cyber police have launched a major crackdown on illegal online gambling operations in northern Thailand. Officers targeted four key locations across Chiang Rai province during a two-day operation. The coordinated raids led to the arrest of six suspects linked to multiple digital gambling networks. The Police Region 1 Investigation Bureau teamed up with the Police Cyber Taskforce (PCT) to execute this mission. Law enforcement units moved quickly to search properties in several districts between June 26 and June 27, 2026. This aggressive action is part of a broader national policy to eliminate online criminal networks during major global sporting events. According to a report by Matichon, the first raid took place in the Mae Sai district. Officers searched a residence in the Mae Sai sub-district that served as a headquarters for a website named banker999. The platform had a registered user base of 6,032 active members. Investigators revealed that this single website generated a monthly financial circulation of 8.57 million Baht. Officers arrested one suspect at the scene and seized critical digital evidence. The total value of the physical items seized was around 50,000 Baht, but the overall damage caused by the network is valued at 102 million Baht. The second raid also occurred in the Mae Sai district at a separate residential property. Police arrested one suspect who worked directly in public relations and marketing for a platform called Laygacy Vip. This individual was responsible for attracting new players through digital advertising channels. The anti-gambling operation quickly expanded into other parts of the province to neutralize remaining hubs. The third raid took place in the Thoeng district, where police searched a home in the Nong Raet sub-district. This location operated a platform known as x-max-888.com. Two suspects were taken into custody during the Thoeng district raid. Police seized computer towers, monitors, and various digital communication devices. Authorities noted that setting up operations in rural areas is a common tactic used by syndicates to hide from city police. The final phase of the operation targeted the capital district of Mueang Chiang Rai. Officers focused on a house located in the Mae Korn sub-district. This site managed two prominent gambling portals known as molly678.pro and WON668.COM. Two key operators were arrested at this location. Inside the property, the team seized mobile phones, computers, and central internet networking equipment worth 80,000 Baht. The digital evidence found here is expected to help cyber forensic teams map out deeper operational structures. The Royal Thai Police launched this initiative to combat a surge in online sports betting during major football tournaments. Law enforcement agencies are deeply concerned about the economic impact of unchecked digital casinos. These illegal platforms drain billions of Baht out of the legitimate economy every year. Forensic experts are now analyzing the data from the seized phones and laptops. The primary goal is to follow the money trails straight to the top financial backers. Police commanders emphasized that they will pursue every individual involved, including those who rent out bank accounts for money laundering.