Detention of first suspect in “Macau 888” online gambling case extended

A suspect allegedly connected with the “Macau 888” online gambling platform was escorted by police from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) to the Criminal Court today (Saturday), to get his detention extended, pending the results of investigations.
The 28-year-old suspect, Natthapong, who has been detained at Thung Song Hong police station since his arrest about a week ago, claimed that he was just a gambler and had nothing to do with the illegal online gambling operations.
He admitted, however, that he was he was addicted to gambling and had been gambling on a daily basis for almost 5 years, since his graduation from college.
His girlfriend defended her partner, saying that he has been under great stress since his arrest, adding that they are ready to cooperate fully with the police.
Natthapong is facing charges of money laundering and organising illegal online gambling.
CCIB police said that they will oppose any bail application, for fear that the suspect might attempt to abscond.