Brother of fugitive ‘Bitcoin whale’ among three arrested

Three suspects linked to fugitive “Bitcoin whale” Worawat Narknawdee, also known as “Acme”, have been arrested, while assets worth about 1.3 billion baht have been seized.

Cybercrime enforcement officers arrested the suspects for their alleged connections to illegal Bitcoin trading platforms, “1000X Limited” and “WOWBIT”, which were operated by Worawat.

Worawat Narknawdee

Pol Maj Gen Tatphum Charuprach, commander of the Economic Crime Division, said at a press conference today that officers raided five locations in Bangkok’s Lat Phrao and Don Mueang areas, as well as a front company used to launder money from the illegal Bitcoin trading business.

Among those arrested was “Atichart”, Worawat’s elder brother, who was apprehended at the departure terminal of Don Mueang airport while attempting to board an international flight.

The second suspect, identified as “Chuthamat”, was arrested at a house while packing for a departing flight. The third suspect has been identified as “Sakdina”.

Pol Maj Gen Tatphum said police impounded four cars worth about 25 million baht, along with numerous luxury brand bags and items of jewellery from the raided properties.

The case dates back to 2023, when Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission filed a complaint with cybercrime police, accusing Worawat of operating Bitcoin trading platforms without the required permits and offering returns of up to 200% to investors. When investors later demanded refunds, they were allegedly refused.

Police said Worawat had claimed to be a Bitcoin whale, having amassed holdings worth tens of billions of baht.