Bangkok: The Commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division has announced significant progress in the crackdown on the online gambling website LAGALAXY911, which has been linked to monks from a well-known temple. A total of 30 arrest warrants have been issued, resulting in 18 arrests thus far. The investigation has uncovered financial connections between the gambling website and the temple's junior monks.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trirong Phiwpaen, Commander of the Technology Crime Investigation Division (Cyber Police), detailed the actions taken against the online gambling operation 'LAGALAXY911'. The operation began with 24 initial arrest warrants, leading to the arrest of Ms. Aranyawan and the confiscation of various devices and statements from suspects. A subsequent issuance of six additional arrest warrants followed.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong reported that the Anti-Corruption Division (ACD) has identified Phra Maha Ekaphon, also known as Mr. Ekaphon, a former monk at Rai Khing Temple, as a suspect. Coordination is underway to determine whether legal proceedings will begin with charges related to the ACD or if they will proceed directly with charges concerning the gambling website.
Ms. Aranyawan's arrest has provided key information, linking Mr. Ekaphon to financial transactions with the gambling site. However, the police currently have sufficient evidence only to issue an arrest warrant for Mr. Ekaphon, pending further investigation.
Inquiries about the involvement of senior monks in the temple revealed no current evidence implicating them, according to Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong. Investigation has so far found ties only to the former monk Phra Ekapot.
Pol. Col. Atichat Amornpradit, Director of News Analysis and Special Equipment at the Technology Crime Investigation Division 3, highlighted the widespread nature of the gambling network, which boasts hundreds of thousands of members. The investigation uncovered nearly 100 million baht in transactions over several months, with Phra Maha Ekkaphon identified as a key figure in transferring funds to the gambling website.
The first wave of arrests targeted 24 individuals involved in various roles, from money transfer operations to money laundering. The second wave focused on six executives managing the gambling network's financial systems. Among those arrested was Mr. Chanaphon, and an arrest warrant was issued for Phra Maha Ekkapoj, linking him to the network.
The crackdown on online gambling has intensified, with Pol. Lt. Gen. Trirong noting the blocking of over 30,000 websites and over 1,000 arrests, surpassing figures from previous years.