A Chinese national was arrested in Bangkok on July 8, 2025, for his alleged involvement in an elaborate credit card fraud scheme that targeted victims through phishing messages and unauthorized transactions via Google Pay, according to Thai cyber police.
A 35-year-old Chinese man was arrested by Thailand’s cyber police in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district for allegedly participating in a transnational credit card fraud operation. The arrest followed an investigation triggered by a complaint from a major Thai bank, which reported unusual electronic transactions involving stolen card data.
According to the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD), the suspects used phishing SMS messages containing malicious links to lure victims into providing sensitive credit card information, including one-time passwords. The data was then transmitted to hackers via Telegram messaging channels, enabling unauthorized purchases at local department stores through Google Pay.
Further inquiries revealed that the illicit network operated by harvesting both Thai and foreign credit card details. Accomplices based in Thailand used the stolen data to buy consumer goods, which were then resold for cash. The profits were reportedly converted into USDT, a form of cryptocurrency, and distributed among those involved.
An arrest warrant for the suspect, identified only as Mr. Ma, was issued on July 4, 2025. He faces multiple charges under Thai law, including fraud by impersonation, unauthorized use and possession of electronic cards, illegal access to computer systems, and the insertion of false data into digital networks.
Ma was taken into custody at a hotel room on Soi Sud Prasert 2 in the Sutthisan Winitchai area. Authorities seized electronic equipment including EDC terminals, card readers, mobile phones, ATM cards from foreign banks, blank PVC cards, and a laptop believed to contain further evidence.
The suspect has denied all charges during questioning and remains in the custody of the TCSD’s 3rd Bureau as legal proceedings move forward. Police say efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest additional members of the criminal network.
