Pol. Lt. Gen. Thinkorn Rangmat, Cyber Police Chief, confirmed the accelerated investigation of the Shuffle online gambling case, expanding the probe into financial trails to connect organizers, advertisers, and other potentially involved individuals.
The case arose after Noraset Nanongtoom, a lawyer at the Human Rights Lawyers Centre, filed a complaint against Mr. Taiyang Zhang, husband of Ms. Suchada Sangtanthap, a Bhumjaithai Party MP from Chaiyaphum Province, and associates for allegedly facilitating online gambling via computer systems and related offenses. He submitted evidence believed to implicate the accused on 9 Nov 2023 at the Cyber Police Division.
On 10 Nov 2023, Pol. Lt. Gen. Thinkorn Rangmat updated that cyber police have examined the submitted documents and will consider them alongside evidence collected continuously by investigators to ensure a thorough, careful fact-finding process following legal procedures.
The investigation covers Shuffle's services to Thai users, the operators and domain owners, connections to companies Mixed Order Limited and Natural Nine B.V., the roles and benefits of involved parties, coordination for foreign data requests, proposals to the Attorney General, and submitting information to the Anti-Money Laundering Office for appropriate action.
Noraset stated in his letter that he submitted the case in good faith for lawful enforcement and to ensure transparent and fair scrutiny. The evidence presented came from documents, not personal observation, so investigators must interview him further on details, sources, and related issues to verify evidence accuracy and connections. Due to prior commitments, Noraset plans to provide information later; investigators will issue summons and arrange appointments accordingly.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Thinkorn added that the case involves individuals, companies, and documents linked to foreign countries, requiring detailed examination and coordination with relevant agencies through legal channels. Regarding jurisdiction over possible offenses outside Thailand, facts will be compiled to propose to the Attorney General following established procedures.
Concerning asset and financial trail investigations, the investigative team is gathering evidence to assess links to alleged offenses and will coordinate with the Anti-Money Laundering Office for legal review and action.
Cyber police have continuously investigated this case, obtaining court warrants to collect evidence and identifying individuals among the gamblers, some of whom have been prosecuted with court verdicts issued. Meanwhile, authorities continue expanding financial investigations to trace organizers, advertisers, and others potentially involved.
The Cyber Police Chief concluded, “Cyber police take public information and concerns seriously, investigating all issues diligently while protecting rights and ensuring fairness for all parties. Each step relies on verifiable evidence to enforce the law correctly and carefully. If evidence links any individual, legal action will proceed without discrimination. We affirm that cyber police actions are based strictly on evidence and law, not on media trends or claims from any side.”