BANGKOK – Police in Thailand have stepped up their push against cross-border cyber fraud and money laundering. The Royal Thai Police Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has obtained arrest warrants for South African businessman Benjamin Mauerberger, also known as Ben Smith, and his Thai wife.
The Criminal Court approved the warrants on February 26, 2026. Police cite claims of joint fraud, conspiracy to commit fraud, and money laundering, with losses topping 1 billion baht (about $30 million).
At the same time, the case shows how Thailand is working more closely with overseas agencies to break up scam groups operating around Southeast Asia. Many of these groups are linked to Cambodia-based operations.
Investigators now focus on finding Mauerberger, who authorities believe already left Thailand, while also checking reported links to other regional crime networks.
Why Benjamin Mauerberger Is Wanted in Thailand
Investigators say the case against Mauerberger and his wife, Cattaliya Beevor (also reported as Katriya Beaver and other spellings), traces back to a cross-border investment scam that began in 2016. According to the CIB:
- Mauerberger allegedly presented himself as a Thai stock market specialist and attracted foreign investors with promises of high returns tied to Thailand projects.
- Victims, including at least one foreign investor introduced for business expansion, reportedly sent funds that were not invested as promised.
- Police say the group used fake investment apps and platforms, then moved the money through laundering channels.
On March 2, 2026, police searched six locations in central Thailand and said they found evidence backing these allegations. In addition, the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) has worked with investigators on asset freezes, including temporary seizures tied to networks valued at more than 13 billion baht (over $380 million).
U.S. authorities also list Mauerberger as a high-risk figure linked to international scams and money laundering. That label adds pressure for cross-border coordination.
Alleged Links to High-Level Figures in Thailand
Public interest has surged because of claims that Mauerberger had access to influential circles in Thailand. Reports and commentary have pointed to:
- Photos showing Mauerberger with senior officials, including Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, former Army chief Apirat Kongsompong, and other political and business figures.
- Allegations of close ties with powerful families, including claims of financial support and dealings connected to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s network.
- Claims that he acted as a fixer for regional elites, helping arrange deals, move assets, and influence outcomes without holding an official role.
Because of these reports, critics have questioned whether influential contacts made enforcement harder. Opposition MP Rangsiman Rome has accused Mauerberger of supporting scam networks, and defamation countersuits followed.
Alleged Connections to Scam Networks Across Asia
Authorities and investigative reporting have also linked Mauerberger to laundering money tied to Cambodia-based scam syndicates. These operations often involve online fraud, call-center scams, human trafficking, and targets across the world, including in the United States and China.
Key claims include:
- Helping move funds connected to scam sites in Cambodia, where trafficked workers reportedly run fake investment and romance scams that cost victims billions each year.
- Reported ties to sanctioned entities such as the Prince Group and individuals, including Chen Zhi.
- Alleged use of multiple passports (including South African, Cambodian, French, St. Kitts and Nevis, and others) and cryptocurrency to hide transactions.
- Links to wider Chinese-Cambodian criminal groups, with Thailand described as an important laundering route.
These allegations match patterns seen in pig-butchering scams and crypto fraud. In response, the United States and the United Kingdom have sanctioned related people and entities.
International Hunt and Cooperation
Thai police are coordinating with other agencies as pressure grows on Southeast Asian scam networks. The effort includes:
- Work with AMLO to trace assets and support recovery efforts, including cross-border tracking.
- Possible pursuit of an Interpol Red Notice to support an arrest outside Thailand.
- Overlap with U.S. sanctions and investigations tied to scams that harmed American victims.
- Wider attention from countries including Australia, New Zealand, Spain, and the U.K., where Mauerberger has faced past scrutiny or appeared on watchlists.
Acting Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has described the warrants as part of the government’s anti-scam policy, and he has stressed the need for international cooperation.
Where Benjamin Mauerberger Is Reportedly Staying
Even with warrants in place, Mauerberger has not been arrested. Reports considered reliable say he left Thailand around September 2025 and may now be in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
- Sources describe him taking part in major property activity there.
- His alleged history of changing passports and keeping a low profile has slowed efforts to locate him.
- Thai officials are looking at international steps, including extradition options, to return him to face charges.
The case highlights how hard it can be to detain suspects who can move quickly and have strong resources.
What This Means for Thailand’s Anti-Scam Campaign
Thailand has taken a tougher approach in recent months. Asset seizures worth hundreds of millions and a growing list of warrants show a stronger push to break scam systems. Still, the Mauerberger case points to ongoing problems:
- Allegations that elite links may slow or complicate investigations.
- The need for deeper coordination with foreign partners to arrest suspects abroad.
- Continuing probes into connected matters, including cases tied to Huione Pay and other Cambodia-linked networks.
As the CIB builds its case and seeks help from overseas partners, the hunt for Benjamin Mauerberger has become a test of how far Thailand will go to confront transnational scam groups that target investors worldwide.
