Boss Ton : “Police arrest 16 in teen gang bust”

Law enforcement officials have apprehended 16 individuals across four provinces in connection with an online gambling syndicate, following a series of raids that uncovered assets worth around 40 million baht. Among the items seized were vehicles, cash, firearms, mobile phones, and jewellery, shedding light on the ill-gotten gains amassed by the suspects.

The arrests were made after local residents alerted authorities to the conspicuous wealth displayed by a group of youths in Chiang Rai. Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, head of the Crime Investigation Bureau (CIB), revealed that the teenagers, known as Boss Ton and Boss Mick, lacked legitimate sources of income, raising suspicions about the origins of their prosperity.

Further investigation revealed that the funds were derived from the AK1688 gambling network, a sophisticated operation with designated roles for its members, including overseeing bank accounts and digital assets. According to Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop, the illicit website has amassed over 200 million baht since 2021, with the proceeds being converted into untraceable forms such as digital assets, land deeds, and gold.

The perpetrators had plans to expand their operations into Laos, complicating efforts to dismantle the network. All 16 individuals have been charged with offences related to online gambling promotion, unlawful assembly, and money laundering, though they have denied any involvement in criminal activities.