DSI arrested another online gambling admin linked to notorious seafood restaurant owner

DSI arrested another online gambling admin linked to notorious seafood restaurant owner

Police Major Yutthana Praedam, Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation, assigned the Bureau of Narcotics Crime to investigate and prosecute a group involved in operating illegal online gambling websites. The mastermind behind this network is the owner of a well-known seafood restaurant, “Hoi Ja,” located in Bangkok. The investigation uncovered over 500 million baht in circulation through online gambling activities. The network consisted of individuals responsible for recruiting gamblers and facilitating the transfer, distribution, and conversion of illegally obtained assets to evade law enforcement detection by using their personal commercial bank accounts as intermediary accounts for illicit proceeds, involving more than 40 individuals. This case, designated as Special Case No. 5/2566, has already been submitted to the public prosecutor’s office for further legal proceedings.

On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at approximately 10:00 AM, Operation Unit 3 of the Surveillance and Intelligence Division, under the supervision of Mr. Withawat Sukantharos, Head of the Surveillance and Intelligence Division, arrested Mr. Kittichai (last name withheld), who was wanted under Criminal Court Arrest Warrant No. Jor.2591/2566, dated August 17, 2023. Kittichai served as an administrator of the online gambling website and was charged with “jointly organizing unauthorized online gambling and jointly laundering money.” He was arrested at a residence in Bang Khun Si Subdistrict, Bangkok Noi District, Bangkok, and was handed over to the Bureau of Narcotics Crime for further legal action.

The crackdown on online gambling is a key policy of the government and the Minister of Justice. DSI has been tasked with combating online gambling in collaboration with relevant public and private agencies, including the Royal Thai Police, the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society. Police Major Yutthana Praedam, Director-General of Department of Special Investigation, has ordered continuous legal action against offenders. At the same time, all arrests must comply with Thailand’s Criminal Procedure Code and the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act, B.E. 2565 (2022), to uphold human rights standards. This policy aims to build public trust in DSI’s investigations and reinforce confidence in its role in crime prevention, suppression, and investigation, ensuring sustainable governance in accordance with principles of good administration.