Thai police dismantle major online gambling network ahead of 2026 World Cup

Thai police have dismantled a major online gambling operation believed to have processed more than THB1bn in transactions, as authorities intensify efforts to combat illegal betting ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

As reported by The Bangkok Post, the crackdown targeted the Ole777.com platform and resulted in the arrest of 19 suspects out of 30 individuals wanted in connection with the network. The operation was announced during the launch of the Football Betting Suppression and Protection Centre, a new initiative aimed at curbing gambling-related crimes during the lead-up to the global football tournament.

According to Metropolitan Police Bureau commander Pol Maj Gen Chotiwat Luangwilai, investigators uncovered an extensive network of mule accounts allegedly used to facilitate transactions linked to the gambling website.

Among those arrested was a 19-year-old woman who reportedly admitted to serving as a mule-account holder since mid-2025. Police said she received THB2,000 for each account she opened and provided to the network.

Authorities are now broadening the investigation to identify the individuals behind the operation and trace the movement of illicit proceeds. Police spokesman Pol Lt Gen Trairong Piwpan said investigators are following money trails that may have been converted into cryptocurrency in an effort to conceal the origin of funds.

He added that some suspects could face charges related to participation in a transnational criminal organization, reflecting the scale and sophistication of the alleged operation.

In a separate but related enforcement effort, Thailand’s Technology Crime Suppression Centre conducted raids at three locations in Sa Kaeo province connected to six additional gambling websites. Seven administrators were arrested during the operation, while authorities seized computers, laptops, mobile phones and financial records believed to be linked to the illegal betting activities.

The latest actions form part of Thailand’s broader campaign to disrupt online gambling networks and strengthen monitoring of betting activities ahead of major international sporting events.