Bangkok: Thailand and the US have joined forces to tackle the growing issues of "call center gangs and human trafficking," uncovering a laboratory linked to human body parts trafficking near the Cambodian border.
According to Thai News Agency, the Royal Thai Police, in collaboration with various Thai ministries and the United States, are intensifying efforts to suppress transnational call center gangs and human trafficking. The aim is to elevate Thailand's status to Tier 1 in combating these crimes. Police General Kittirat Phanphet, Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police, has tasked Police General Thatchai Pitanilabutr, along with a high-level delegation, to visit Washington D.C. and report on Thailand's progress in tackling these issues.
The delegation engaged with top U.S. officials, including discussions on President Donald Trump's policy to crack down on call center scams, which cost American citizens over $6 billion last year. These operations are primarily based in the ASEAN region, notably in Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos, and exploit individuals from over 40 countries.
Jeanine Pirro, Attorney General for the District of Columbia, commended the Royal Thai Police for their establishment of the IAC Warroom. This center integrates information with financial institutions and mobile providers, leading to efficient asset recovery for victims. Close cooperation with the FBI has resulted in numerous arrests and asset seizures.
During their meetings, Pol. Gen. Thatchai presented intelligence on the dismantling of a large call center operation near the Chong Chom border in Cambodia. The operation uncovered over 10,000 individuals forced into labor through scams. Evidence of serious human rights violations, including facilities resembling detention cells and equipment for torture, was found. There are suspicions of illegal human organ trafficking, prompting the U.S. to strengthen cooperation with Thai authorities to expand investigations.
The Thai delegation also met with U.S. officials responsible for assessing Thailand's Tier ranking. They outlined Thailand's achievements and aspirations to be upgraded to Tier 1 to boost the country's investment and tourism appeal.
Pol. Gen. Thatchai announced the launch of the SHIELD system in June, a central platform for sharing information on call center gangs and human trafficking. More than 10 partner countries, including the U.S., are involved. The system aims to prevent citizens from falling victim to online fraud and being exploited by call center gangs in Southeast Asia. Thailand remains committed to eradicating these criminal organizations and preventing its territory from being used as a transit route.