The man, named by police only as “Winat” or ‘Oil’, was taken into custody at a popular lifestyle shopping mall in Thalang, reported the Investigation Division Metropolitan Police Bureau (IDMB) yesterday (Aug 13).
Winat was placed under arrest by officers from the IDMB, which is based in Bangkok. Joining the arrest party were officers from “PCT 5”, the Information Technology Crime Suppression Center operated under the Provincial Police, with Region 5 covering Chiang Mai.
Winat, who police said also went by the name ‘Oil Talad Neau’, was wanted for fraud on arrest warrant No. 461/2566 issued by Nonthaburi Provincial Court on July 19.
The SmartLand app had duped many victims, including a famous female news anchor who has lost millions. The latest victim had lost B1 million, officers reported.
People were lured into downloading the ‘SmartLand’ app by the claims that it was operated by a Department of Lands officer in Phuket, who could presumably help “facilitate” land transfers and title upgrades.
During questioning, Winat confessed to his role in the crime, police said,
Earlier this year, Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, Minister of Digital Economy and Society of Thailand, issued a warning that people could face up to three years in jail or a fine of up to B300,000, or both, if they are found to be providing “mule” accounts for online scams.