Major Online Gambling operation Shut Down in Thailand: Auto888vip Owner Arrested
Thai authorities have dealt a meaningful blow to illegal online gambling with the arrest of Thaweesak Prayoonnikorn, 30, the owner of the prominent website Auto888vip.com. The arrest, conducted by the cyber Crime Examination Bureau (CCIB) at a luxury residence in Pathum Thani province, follows a detailed investigation into the platformS extensive operations.This case underscores the growing efforts to combat online gambling and its associated financial crimes within thailand.
The Raid and Seized Assets
On Wednesday, CCIB officers executed a search warrant obtained from the Pathum Thani provincial court. The raid targeted a house in the Khlong Nueng area, identified as the hub for Auto888vip’s financial dealings.
The operation resulted in the seizure of significant assets, currently valued at over 70 million baht (approximately $2 million USD). These include:
A Mercedes-Benz CLS53 (5 million baht)
A BMW M4 (10 million baht)
28.5 million baht in cash, discovered hidden in the residence.
Luxury watches and designer goods. Titles to a house and land, frozen for further investigation (7 million baht).
Pol Lt Gen Trairong Piewpan, CCIB chief, oversaw the operation and emphasized the scale of the illicit enterprise. “This was a elegant operation, and the seized assets demonstrate the significant profits generated by illegal online gambling,” he stated.
Details of the Auto888vip Operation
Investigators discovered that Auto888vip.com had been actively offering illegal online gambling services for approximately two years. The platform boasted around 3,000 active user accounts each month.Furthermore, the website processed roughly 20 million baht in monthly cash withdrawals over the past six months. Prayoonnikorn allegedly managed the financial side of the operation, handling proceeds and facilitating withdrawals.
Police reports indicate Prayoonnikorn frequently withdrew gambling funds from ATMs during late-night hours – between 10 PM and 5 AM – storing the cash at his home, often in safes and travel bags.
Ongoing Investigation and future Actions
The arrest of Prayoonnikorn is a major step, but authorities are clear that the investigation is far from over. Pol Maj Gen Chatpanthakarn Khlaikhlueng, of CCIB division 3, confirmed that efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the Auto888vip network.
“We are committed to dismantling the entire criminal enterprise, not just arresting the owner,” Khlaikhlueng explained. “This includes tracing the flow of funds and identifying any collaborators.”
What This Means for You
This case serves as a strong warning against participating in illegal online gambling.not only is it against the law, but you also risk financial loss and potential involvement in criminal activity. If you are struggling with gambling addiction, resources are available to help.
The CCIB’s success in this case demonstrates a growing commitment to tackling cybercrime and protecting citizens from the harms of illegal online gambling. You can expect to see continued enforcement efforts in this area.
Resources:
Gambling Addiction Help (Example – replace with relevant Thai resources)
Cyber Crime Police Thailand (Official Website)
Disclaimer: This article provides data based on publicly available reports and should not be considered legal advice.*
