Thailand Freezes $230 Million in Assets in Major Scam Probe

Thailand Freezes $230 Million in Assets in Major Scam Probe

BANGKOK, April 9, 2026 — Thailand’s Anti-Money Laundering Office has frozen assets worth 8.27 billion baht ($230 million) as part of an expanding investigation into an alleged transnational scam network, authorities said.

The agency’s Transaction Committee approved the temporary seizure of 34 assets for up to 90 days under its latest order, bringing the total number of frozen or seized items in the case to 102, with a combined value of approximately 20.4 billion baht.

The assets include vehicles, bank deposits, loan receivables, and funds held in securities trading accounts, according to officials.

Authorities allege the network — involving several individuals, including suspects identified as Ben Smith (Benjamin Mauerberger) and Yim Leak — is linked to a range of criminal activities, including fraud, drug-related offenses, human trafficking and participation in an organized criminal group.

The Anti-Money Laundering Office is working alongside the Royal Thai Police and the Securities and Exchange Commission to trace financial flows and dismantle the network.

Earlier enforcement actions had already resulted in asset seizures worth more than 12 billion baht. The case is currently under review by the Civil Court.

Officials said the latest move underscores Thailand’s intensified crackdown on large-scale financial crime and efforts to prevent further economic damage from organized scam operations.