The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) of Thailand recently announced that it will expedite the investigation into the assets of the notorious "Kok An Network." This transnational criminal group is involved in assets worth billions of Thai baht, with some funds suspected to have been transferred into the accounts of well-known figures in the Thai business community. AMLO has assigned the "Transaction Committee" to lead the investigation, focusing on tracking the flow of funds and gathering evidence related to the individuals involved.
Under the command of Police Major General Trairong Phiwpaen, commissioner of the Thailand Cybercrime Investigation Bureau (TCSD), a task force has been jointly established by Thailand and Cambodia to launch a major operation against the "Kok An Network" operations in Thailand. The police simultaneously raided 19 target locations in Bangkok, Chonburi, and Nonthaburi, successfully shutting down several "money mule" accounts and identifying the Cambodian investors behind them. This operation directly targeted "Kok An" himself, a Cambodian casino magnate who has long controlled the "Crown Casino" and owns a 25-story and an 18-story building in the locality, serving as operation bases for call center scams and online gambling.
During the operation, the police seized a large number of assets including luxury cars, cash, and bank accounts. According to investigations, the value of assets related to this network within Thailand exceeds 1 billion Thai baht. Earlier, the TCSD had submitted a list of assets under Kok An's name to AMLO, requesting a legal review and seizure.
AMLO Internal Report: Comprehensive Asset Freezing and Tracking
On August 25, an AMLO internal report first disclosed the details of the investigation. Based on the preliminary report submitted by the TCSD, AMLO has officially initiated the asset seizure and freezing process, and appointed the "Transaction Committee" to thoroughly investigate the flow of funds of the Kok An Network. Investigators are currently gathering evidence to determine whether some assets have been secretly transferred and who currently holds these funds.
AMLO officials emphasize that the nature of this case is severe, requiring urgent and thorough investigation to prevent further transfer or laundering of the involved funds. The scope of the investigation is not limited to Kok An's direct network but also includes possible connections with the Thai business community. Currently, AMLO and TCSD are working closely to ensure complete control over the flow of assets.
In a previous joint operation by the police, cyber police raided 7 locations, seizing a large amount of assets related to the "Kok An Network," and issued arrest warrants for Kok An's three children. This further shows that the network's financial and personnel structure has deeply penetrated Thailand.
Asset Investigation: Focus on "Source of Funds" Not "Nominal Owner"
AMLO specifically pointed out in its internal communication that its core task is to investigate all assets belonging to the Kok An Network, regardless of whether these assets have been transferred to third parties. In other words, the focus of the investigation is on tracking the "source of funds," not simply identifying the "nominal holder."
According to the 1999 Anti-Money Laundering Act, as long as assets are related to criminal activities, they must be legally tracked and seized, even if their nominal owners are not directly involved in the case. AMLO emphasizes that this legal framework ensures that while combating criminal groups, it also protects the legitimate rights of the general public.
To help the public understand, AMLO gave an example: Suppose Mr. A obtains funds from drug trafficking and entrusts them to Ms. B for safekeeping. Ms. B might be completely unaware that this money comes from an illegal source. However, when AMLO investigates the drug case and finds that Mr. A's illegal funds have flowed into Ms. B's account, officials must still legally seize these assets. But this does not mean that Ms. B will be directly accused of money laundering. If she can clearly explain the source of the funds and prove her ignorance, she will not be prosecuted.
This example shows that while AMLO handles cases, it maintains strong tracking and seizure measures but also avoids infringing on the rights of innocent public without solid evidence.
Case Impact and Follow-up
The "Kok An Network" is involved in a wide range, not only closely related to Cambodian casinos and call center scams but also extensively laundering money through the Thai banking system and "money mule" accounts. This operation is considered one of the most important cases against transnational criminal networks in Thailand in recent years.
The Anti-Money Laundering Office has made it clear that it will continue to track all suspicious accounts and conduct in-depth investigations into Thai businessmen or well-known individuals suspected of transferring or laundering funds. Once it is confirmed that related assets are involved in crime, even if the funds have already been transferred to third-party accounts, they will be legally frozen and seized.
AMLO and TCSD stated that in the coming weeks, more assets will be frozen, and more individuals involved will be prosecuted. This case not only demonstrates the penetration of transnational criminal networks in Southeast Asia but also highlights the urgency of Thailand to strengthen cross-border law enforcement cooperation and financial regulation.
