BANGKOK, Thailand – The Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) led a successful operation on August 29, arresting a couple involved in running an illegal cryptocurrency exchange linked to online gambling, call center scams, and international drug trafficking. The operation, led by Pol. Col. Theerapat Yangyuen, Commander of the 3rd Division of the ECD, resulted in the capture of Mr. Annop, 40, and his wife Ms. Wanwisa, 35, at their company, Rich Shop Trading Co., Ltd., located in Bang Khen District, Bangkok.
The investigation began when several victims filed complaints with the ECD, claiming they had been deceived into investing in a digital currency trading scheme that promised high returns. After transferring their digital assets, the victims never received the promised returns and were unable to retrieve their investments. The ECD quickly launched an investigation, tracing the flow of digital currency, which ultimately led them to Rich Shop Trading Co., Ltd., founded by the arrested couple.
Upon searching the company premises, police discovered extensive documentation related to cryptocurrency trading, revealing that the company had been conducting off-exchange trades, primarily with foreign clients from Malaysia, Cambodia, and China. The investigation also uncovered links between the company’s crypto accounts and several criminal networks, including call center scams, online gambling operations, and drug trafficking rings. In less than a year, the company’s digital asset accounts had processed over 6 billion baht, with 3.5 billion attributed to Ms. Wanwisa and 2.7 billion to Mr. Annop.
During questioning, the couple partially admitted to operating a cryptocurrency exchange business with foreign clients but denied any involvement with illegal activities or criminal networks.
Despite their denials, the evidence collected during the search indicated that the company had been conducting illegal off-exchange digital asset trades. The authorities seized all relevant documents and took the couple into custody. They face charges of “operating a digital asset business without a license,” and the investigation continues as the case is handed over to the ECD for further legal action.
