On November 18, 2024, Thai police announced the results of “Operation Bridge Demolition,” targeting two major criminal activities involving Chinese-led syndicates. The operations disrupted a network that conducted over 700 million fraudulent phone calls and sent nearly 1 million fake SMS messages in just three days, exploiting telecom systems and advanced technology to scam citizens.

Operation 1: Telephone Fraud Using Numbers Starting with 02

Investigations by the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) uncovered irregularities with over 11,000 phone numbers starting with "02." These numbers, registered under three companies, were used in call center scams to deceive victims into fake investments and activities.

Key findings included:

1. Hruan Yun Information Technology Co., Ltd.: Registered 3,000 numbers with over 256 million call attempts. The company’s directors include one Chinese national and two Thais.

2. Yun Tien Ke Technology (Thailand) Co., Ltd.: Registered 6,000 numbers with over 345 million call attempts. Two Chinese directors and one Thai are linked to the company.

3. Prima Technology (Thailand) Co., Ltd.: Registered 2,201 numbers with over 128 million call attempts. All three directors are Chinese nationals.

The combined call attempts totaled over 730 million. A review of travel records revealed that most Chinese directors never entered Thailand, except one who left in August 2023 and has not returned. Evidence has led to arrest warrants, resulting in 10 arrests so far—nine Thai nationals and one Myanmar national.

Operation 2: Fake SMS Broadcasts Using False Base Stations

Police also dismantled an operation using a "False Base Station" device to send fake SMS messages. Collaborating with AIS, authorities tracked a suspect, Yang Muyi, a 35-year-old Chinese national, in a vehicle equipped with a fake SMS broadcasting station. The equipment included an 8,000W power station, a Wi-Fi router, and multiple mobile phones.

Between November 11-13, 2024, the device was used to send nearly 1 million fraudulent SMS messages in crowded areas like Sukhumvit Road.

Implications and Next Steps

The operations demonstrate Thailand’s commitment to combating tech-enabled crimes and international cooperation in suppressing fraud. Further investigations are ongoing to dismantle the networks fully and prosecute those involved.