Bangkok: The Prime Minister announced the seizure of additional assets worth 8.269 billion baht from the Gym Liak-Ben Smith network. Minister Anutin Charnvirakul led a press conference announcing the seizure of an additional 8.269 billion baht in assets from the “Yim Liak – Ben Smith” drug network. He thanked the agencies for their vigilance, stating that despite the suspects using advanced technology and immense financial power, they were able to be prosecuted. He emphasized the principle of “keeping names secret, focusing on behavior” in the crackdown, vowing that there will be no exceptions for those who break the law.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, along with relevant agencies, held a press conference regarding the seizure and freezing of assets belonging to a transnational scammer network. The case involves Ms. Taengthai, Mr. Yim Liak, Ms. Wirinya Yim, Mr. Ben Smith, and Ms. Katriya Beaver, among others. They are accused of drug trafficking, h
uman trafficking, public fraud, membership in organized crime groups, and habitual fraud. As a result, the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) has resolved to temporarily seize and freeze an additional 34 items of related assets for a period not exceeding 90 days. These include six vehicles, loan claims, bank accounts, and securities in trading accounts, valued at approximately 8,269 million baht. This brings the total number of seized and frozen assets in this case to 102 items, with a total value of approximately 20,392 million baht.
Mr. Anutin stated that relevant agencies have integrated their efforts to seize and freeze assets in these cases, totaling 20 billion baht to date. This is a massive sum belonging to this criminal group that has committed illegal acts in Thailand, causing significant hardship to the economy and the victims. The crimes are based on a scammer network. He emphasized that this action reflects the government’s commitment to addressing this type of crime and affirmed that his govern
ment is fully committed to supporting all agencies in their duty to combat these crimes.
Mr. Anutin further stated that, as the supervisor of the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), he recognizes and acknowledges that the public and the international community want decisive action taken against these crimes. The threat from scammers is complex and has widespread impacts. Therefore, he has instructed law enforcement agencies to implement measures and fully enforce the law against offenders. These offenders are often influential individuals with networks or even connections to those in power. However, this government has emphasized to agencies responsible for preventing and suppressing this type of crime to adhere to the principle of “keeping names anonymous, focusing on behavior.” If wrongdoing is found, action will be taken rigorously and without exception.
Mr. Anutin further stated that all agencies involved in suppressing these offenders must fully comply with the policies assigned to their respective he
ads of departments. Relevant agencies, such as the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), will take action, including protecting victims according to legal procedures, returning assets obtained through illegal activities to victims, having the assets forfeited to the state, and then distributing the proceeds proportionally to the victims. Furthermore, they will cooperate with various related agencies in investigating and expanding the scope of the investigation, focusing on assets obtained through illegal activities. In addition, they will consider prosecuting those who commit money laundering offenses without exception.
Mr. Anutin reiterated that the network presented at today’s press conference, in addition to being found to be involved in scamming, was also linked to drug trafficking. He expressed his sincere appreciation to the agencies dedicated to prosecuting the offenders, stating that the fight against illegal crimes employed through advanced technology and immense financial power is not beyond the cap
abilities of government officials.