Cyber police announced the operation that dismantled the “BANKKOK1688” online gambling network, which used mule accounts to receive transfers and launder money through cryptocurrency. The network had over 10,000 members, had been operating for more than one year, and handled transactions exceeding 2.4 billion baht.
At 13:30 on 4 Mar 2026 GMT+7, at the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) headquarters in Muang Thong Thani, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi Province, Pol. Maj. Gen. Thinkorn Rangmat, deputy commander of TCSD, Pol. Maj. Gen. Kantapong Chairungroeng, deputy police chief assisting TCSD, Pol. Maj. Gen. Chatpundakan Klayklung, deputy commander of TCSD, Pol. Maj. Gen. Siriwat Deepho, commander of TCSD Division 1, and Pol. Col. Kritin Tapsilo, chief of the News Analysis and Special Tools Division, jointly announced the results of the operation dismantling the “BANKKOK1688” gambling network that used mule accounts for money laundering through cryptocurrency, with transactions exceeding 2.4 billion baht.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Siriwat stated that investigators from the News Analysis and Special Tools Division, TCSD Division 1, found the “BANKKOK1688” website had over 10,000 members, had been operating for more than one year, and handled over 200 million baht monthly—totaling more than 2.4 billion baht annually. The site illicitly offered online gambling services including lottery, slots, international football betting, baccarat, and various other games.
Payments to play on the site were made through automatic bank account transfers. Players could withdraw money directly through the website. The site also employed administrators who assisted or acted on behalf of the website in cases such as registration issues, financial transactions, and encouraging others to engage in online gambling on the platform.
Later, Pol. Col. Kritin Tapsilo, chief of News Analysis and Special Tools Division, TCSD Division 1, and Pol. Lt. Col. Suparat Kam-in, deputy chief of the same division, along with their investigation team discovered that the gambling network operated in a systematic way, dividing roles. They used mule accounts to receive funds from customers, to pay customers on the website, and to move money around for laundering through 18 bank accounts, all concealed to obscure the money trail.
Pol. Col. Kritin added that after identifying those involved, they collected evidence and obtained arrest warrants from the Criminal Court for all 18 suspects. So far, six have been arrested: Kirin Janhom, 30, the beneficiary account owner, arrested in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya; Phanupol Ngaokrachang, 20, the account owner handling website payments, arrested in Prachuap Khiri Khan; Benjawan Ponglakorn, 40, account holder for holding and collecting funds, arrested in Bangkok; Chaowarit Saengsuk, 43, also a fund holder, arrested in Chainat; Chayanan Hasadee, 19, beneficiary account owner, arrested in Phetchaburi; and Siwora Sirikrachai, 27, beneficiary account owner, arrested in Sa Kaeo.
During interrogation, Kirin, a key suspect and the final account holder, was found to have opened an account on a major digital asset trading platform for compensation. He completed identity verification (KYC) by facial scanning, then handed over the bank account and mobile phone to a Cambodian friend for use. The account was then used to receive money from the gambling site to purchase cryptocurrency worth 59 million baht, which was subsequently transferred to an overseas exchange (Binance) to convert assets in a manner that complicated tracking and appeared as money laundering.
All suspects face charges of “colluding to organize gambling or devise schemes to lure, advertise, or solicit others directly or indirectly to gamble on electronic media without official permission; conspiracy by two or more persons to commit money laundering; and money laundering due to conspiracy and joint involvement.”