South Korean Call Centre Scammer Arrested in Pattaya Condo
South Korean Call Centre Scammer Arrested in Pattaya Condo
PATTAYA, May 6, 2026 — Thai authorities, working with South Korean police, have arrested a South Korean national accused of involvement in a major call centre scam network after he allegedly fled an Interpol Red Notice and hid in a condominium in Pattaya, police said.
The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Mr. Sangcheon, was detained on May 5 in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province, following a joint operation involving Thai immigration police, anti-online scam investigators and South Korean authorities.
Police said the suspect was linked to a South Korean fraud syndicate accused of impersonating government officials and tricking victims into transferring money to so-called “national security accounts” under the pretext of financial investigations.
Investigators alleged the network also used malware to infiltrate victims’ devices and steal sensitive information as part of the scam operation.
South Korean authorities said the group caused losses of approximately 342 million won (about $250,000) in August 2025 alone.
According to investigators, the proceeds were routed through the cryptocurrency platform Bithumb before being transferred into private digital wallets in an apparent attempt to conceal the money trail.
After fleeing South Korea, the suspect became the subject of an Interpol Red Notice, prompting international coordination between Korean police and Thailand’s Anti Online Scam Centre.
Authorities tracked the suspect to Pattaya, where he was reportedly living in a rented condominium registered under the name of a Thai national to avoid detection.
Following surveillance operations, officers arrested him and transferred him to Pattaya City Police Station for further legal processing.
Thai officials said his visa had expired, resulting in additional immigration charges.
Authorities confirmed the suspect will face legal proceedings in Thailand before deportation and extradition to South Korea to stand trial.
The case underscores growing international cooperation against transnational online fraud networks, particularly those using cryptocurrency channels to launder illicit funds across borders.
