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Immigration Bureau Unveils Four Major Arrests, Including Yakuza Deputy and International Fraudsters

Bangkok: The Immigration Bureau has announced the successful arrest of suspects involved in four significant cases, including the apprehension of a deputy Yakuza boss and a Dutch national implicated in a gold scam targeting international victims. The arrests highlight the Bureau's ongoing efforts to combat organized crime and fraud within Thailand. According to Thai News Agency, the press conference featured key officials, including Pol. Lt. Col. Panthana Nuchnarat, Deputy Commander of the Immigration Bureau, and other senior officers. They detailed the capture of a Japanese national, Mr. HAMAJI, linked to the Yakuza's call center operations in Chonburi Province. The gang, which had been deceiving Japanese citizens, saw five members arrested in December 2024, with Mr. HAMAJI caught in January 2025 attempting to leave Thailand. In a separate case, Pol. Col. Chuawong described the arrest of Mr. Jo Won, a 33-year-old Korean involved in a drug-related offense. The arrest followed a police raid on a luxury hotel in Thonglor, where a drug party was taking place. Mr. Jo Won, who had an outstanding warrant, was tracked down to a condo in the Samsen Nok area and detained for further legal action. Pol. Col. Thawatchai reported on the capture of Mr. Kennedy, a Nigerian man, after a sting operation in the Nana area revealed his involvement in ketamine distribution. The operation, assisted by an informant, led to the discovery of drugs hidden in a toothpaste box and resulted in Mr. Kennedy's arrest and subsequent legal proceedings. The fourth case involved a Dutch national accused of defrauding individuals by selling fake gold pellets to steal foreign currency. The suspect was apprehended in Bangkok, where authorities found fake and real gold pellets along with various currencies. The individual's permission to stay in Thailand was revoked, and he faces deportation after legal processes are completed. Pol. Col. Panthana also addressed broader concerns, noting efforts to prevent foreign groups, particularly Chinese nationa ls, from using Thailand as a transit point for scams and call center operations. The Immigration Bureau is enhancing its screening and monitoring processes to prevent such activities, with plans to track potential offenders and maintain a comprehensive database to aid future investigations.