Massive Bt8.2bn asset haul linked to Cambodian scam ring

The Transactions Committee of the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) has resolved to impound additional suspected ill-gotten assets worth about 8.2 billion baht, linked to a Cambodian-based transnational scam network.

The seized assets include six cars, bank deposits, cash and shares belonging to alleged Cambodian scam boss Yim Leak, his Thai wife Wirinya, South African fixer Benjamin Mauerberger (also known as Ben Smith), and his Thai wife.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who chaired the committee meeting yesterday, told a press conference that the impounded assets are substantial and are considered proceeds of crime derived from activities that breach Thai law, negatively affecting the Thai economy and numerous victims.

He said the seizure is clear evidence of the government’s resolve to combat cybercrime, adding that the scam network was also involved in illegal narcotics trafficking.

An informed AMLO source said the assets will initially be impounded for 90 days, pending further investigation into the extent of the transnational scam network allegedly operated by Yim Leak.

In March, the Thai Civil Court ordered the confiscation of assets worth about 12 billion baht linked to the same group.