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68 Indian nationals arrested in Pattaya online gambling raids

Twin villa operations uncovered networks with combined annual turnover of THB 2.3bn (US$70m).

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Key Points
68 Indian nationals detained in two separate villa raids
43 suspects linked to 23 gambling websites in first operation
All charged with working without permits

Police in Pattaya have dismantled two online gambling networks with a combined annual turnover of approximately THB 2.3bn, following coordinated raids on two rented villas in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, as reported by the Bangkok Post.

The first operation, led by the Tourist Police Bureau with support from immigration and local authorities, resulted in the arrest of 43 Indian nationals. Acting on a warrant issued by the Pattaya Provincial Court, officers searched a two-storey villa that had been converted into an office space. Authorities seized 33 computers, 50 mobile phones and 27 SIM cards.

Investigators said the group managed 23 overseas-based gambling websites targeting mainly Indian customers. Each site was estimated to generate about THB 200,000 per day, with total annual turnover reaching roughly THB 1.6bn. The suspects had reportedly rented the property for THB 120,000 per month and operated from the location for more than a year.

In a second raid conducted by Immigration Division 3, officers detained 25 additional Indian nationals at another villa nearby. The property had been heavily secured, with a garage converted into a glass-enclosed office. Police linked the group to at least three major gambling platforms ending in “777,” generating around THB 700m annually.

All 68 suspects had entered Thailand on tourist visas and have been charged with working without permits or exceeding permitted rights. Authorities said investigations are ongoing to identify financiers and dismantle the broader networks operating both in Thailand and overseas.

 

Good to know

Police monitored the first property for over a month using ground and aerial surveillance before securing search warrants

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