Thailand’s cyber police have started an operation to disconnect call center scammers’ communications and disrupt their supply networks for SIM cards and telecommunications equipment.

Acting National Police Chief and Technology Crime Suppression Division Director Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet announced that Operation “Demolish Criminal Bridges” launched statewide, raiding 647 retail establishments suspected of selling telecommunications equipment and registering SIM cards for criminal syndicates.

The authorities seized 101,000 SIM cards, 113 SIM boxes, 575 mobile phones, 23 computers, and copies of ID cards, passports, and work permits to register these SIM cards. The operation also uncovered issues with mass SIM card ownership and online registration.

Despite limits on SIM card ownership to five, many criminals accessed thousands of SIM cards.

Additionally, the online registration system did not detect fake registrations. Individuals could upload any image or type any name, making verification impossible.

Cyber police — Police seize over 100,000 SIM cards – Police Image.

The Technology Crime Suppression Division will now work with the NBTC and telecommunications companies to tighten regulations and improve verification.

Authorities will track scam phone numbers and identify retail establishments that registered SIM cards. Police aim to reduce call center scams in Thailand by targeting criminal syndicates’ SIM card supply. The operation will focus on SIM boxes, bank accounts, SMS messaging, and social networking sites used by call center scammers.

According to cyber police, most masterminds are foreigners in Myanmar and Laos, making it hard for them to catch up in Thailand. Previously, Taiwanese criminal groups hired Thai criminals to run financial schemes because they spoke Thai.

Later, mainland Chinese gangs took over these activities. Recently, copycat Thai criminals working for foreign agents have started to lead the operations. Crime gangs use phones and social media like Facebook to reach victims.

Scammers began by creating fake financial schemes and now impersonate celebrities and powerful figures. Thai officials say they target naïve retirees and those seeking quick returns.

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society reported that 296,063 online fraud cases caused 39.1 billion baht in financial losses between March 1, 2023, and July 15, 2024. At the same time, criminal gangs defrauded 20,667 people of 20.7 billion baht.