Thailand, Laos Strengthen Cooperation Against Money Laundering and Scam Networks

Laos and Thailand are strengthening their cooperation to combat money laundering and scam networks that are increasingly threatening the region. Both nations are enhancing cross-border information sharing and law enforcement coordination to tackle the misuse of digital technologies and cryptocurrency-driven crimes. The seminar, held under the theme “Prevention and Suppression of Money Laundering Linked to Scam Centers,” brought together Thai Ambassador to Laos Ms. Krongkanit Rakchaoen, the Head of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Mr. Richard Philipart, diplomatic representatives, officials from Lao ministries and judicial agencies, banks, investigative police, the Anti-Money Laundering Intelligence Office (AMLIO), international organizations, and the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA). Ambassador Krongkanit highlighted that scam centers, call-center gangs, and online fraud have evolved from relatively small-scale scams into transnational criminal networks, causing significant economic losses and affecting people across the region and beyond. She noted that these networks are also associated with human trafficking and other human rights violations, while money laundering enables criminal groups to conceal illicit proceeds and finance the expansion of their operations. The seminar was held amid growing concerns over transnational criminal networks in the Lower Mekong sub-region, particularly those involved in scam centers and illegal online gambling. Participants discussed how criminals increasingly use digital technologies, cryptocurrencies, and mule accounts to commit fraud, launder illicit proceeds, and facilitate other criminal activities. Laos has elevated the fight against online scams as a national priority under Prime Minister’s Order No. 32/PM. The country is also working to strengthen its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing framework in line with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) action plan, with measures targeted for completion by January 2027. The one-day seminar focused on six key areas: emerging scam-center operations and regional trends; legal and regulatory measures for urgent asset freezing, recovery, and cross-border cooperation; strengthening anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) systems; tracing financial transactions and disrupting mule accounts; preventing the misuse of cryptocurrencies and unregulated over-the-counter brokers; and developing a future Thai-Lao cooperation roadmap. The seminar underscored the importance of stronger financial intelligence, law enforcement coordination, and cross-border cooperation to disrupt the financial networks supporting scam operations and other transnational crimes. It also provided a platform for Laos, Thailand, and international partners to exchange experiences and identify practical measures to strengthen regional efforts against financial crime and enhance economic security. Information Source: KPL Laos News