Immigration police bust Japanese-targeting scam call centre

Bangkok, September 17, 2026 - Immigration authorities conducted a raid on a high-end mansion in Bangkok's Bang Bon district, arresting 15 individuals allegedly linked to a call-centre scam targeting Japanese victims. The operation, led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Phanthana Nuchanart, was triggered by a tip-off from a concerned citizen who observed numerous foreigners entering and leaving the property under suspicious circumstances.

Upon obtaining a search warrant, police discovered evidence of a call-centre operation, with the property reportedly rented through a Thai nominee on behalf of a Chinese boss for over a year, with monthly rent reportedly reaching up to 900,000 baht. Fifteen suspects were apprehended, including one Thai national and the remaining 14 foreign nationals from Japan, China, Taiwan, and Myanmar. All were reportedly involved in making scam calls, with the network primarily targeting Japanese victims.

The alleged operation involved operators randomly calling victims, claiming an illegal package had been intercepted in their name. If the victim believed the story, the caller would transfer them to another line posing as a police officer. The scammers would then accuse the victim of suspicious financial transactions or criminal involvement, instructing them to pay a fee for an alleged investigation.

During the raid, police observed separate areas on the second floor where scam calls were made, with Japanese-language scripts posted on walls for guidance. Another room was used for transferring victims to another line.

Police seized computers, mobile phones, money-transfer SIM cards, and drug-use equipment during the operation. The suspects were handed over to immigration investigators for potential charges, with foreign suspects also expected to face deportation procedures following the legal process.