Police raided 17 locations yesterday including a luxury home belonging to the husband of a Thai actress who has suspected links to online gambling networks.
Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) police and police commandos launched the raids in Bangkok and surrounding provinces to find evidence to prosecute members of the gambling networks, said Pol Gen Torsak Sukwimol, the deputy national police chief.
One of the targeted venues was a luxury home at Soi Yothin Patthana in Bang Kapi district of Bangkok. The house is owned by Phuket hotelier and businessman Mek Rama, husband of actress Yardthip Rajpal.
Mr Mek was present during the raid. The police team searched his house, which had a secret room storing a large safe containing valuable items.
The team seized assets worth about 1 billion baht from the businessman, including a Ferrari, a BMW and three vans.
Mr Mek was apprehended under an arrest warrant for allegedly colluding in an online gambling operation and committing offences under the Anti-Money Laundering Act. He was taken to the CCIB office in Chaeng Watthana for questioning.
Mr Mek recently grabbed headlines after whistleblower and former massage parlour tycoon Chuvit Kamolvisit exposed major gambling networks and hinted that the husband of a TV actress was allegedly involved in online gambling operations.
In his Facebook post, Mr Chuvit gave more details about the accused, saying a man with the Thai initial "Mor" was enjoying a luxury lifestyle in a 200-million-baht residence and driving a red Ferrari. He added this wealthy man was believed to be involved in a football gambling network.
The raid on 17 locations in Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Sa Kaeo and Phitsanulok resulted in nine arrests, said Pol Lt Gen Worawat Watnakhornbancha, CCIB commissioner.
Last month, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) confiscated a 200-million-baht penthouse belonging to Mr Mek over his alleged involvement in the Forex-3D Ponzi scheme.