The Thai Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has seized two luxury villas owned by the operators of UFA, a notorious online gambling network catering to high stakes gamblers. The news, reported by the well-respected Thai press outlet The Thaiger, highlighted the value of the seized properties as more than 2 billion baht combined (approximately $56.5 million).
To paint a clearer picture, the confiscated villas are situated in the picturesque coastal area of Phuket, enjoying a stunning view of Nai Harn Bay. The two properties, collectively spread over 3.75 acres, are known as Thousand Hills Phuket.
The operation, resulting in the seizure of the properties, was spearheaded by Director General Police Major Suriya Singhakamol. When the DSI officials descended on the properties, the only individuals present were household staff and groundkeepers. They were promptly informed of the situation by Suriya’s team, who went on to post confiscation notices around the premises.
The DSI have found the luxury villas to be owned by a group linked to the unlawful UFA gambling network. While it’s a well-known fact that all forms of online betting are strictly against the law in Thailand, these illegal operators have found a way to exploit that gap in the market.
Suriya became aware that the properties were linked to a certain Phakphum, alias Didi. Phakphum, arrested earlier in the current month, is suspected to have served as a revenue manager for the UFA network.
Phakphum initially denied any involvement with UFA, but eventually conceded his connection to the gambling organisation and consequently was charged under Thailand’s Anti-Money Laundering Act.
Besides performing the role of UFA’s revenue manager, Phakphum was also linked to the running of facilities that operated “mule accounts”. Predominantly manned by migrant workers, Phakphum’s facilities used more than 80 mule accounts dedicated to gambling sites.
The Thaiger’s report suggested that 30 of these accounts were listed under Thai player names. Each account processed billions of baht in transactions and managed 3% of the income from the 83 gambling sites that Phakphum handled.
The Pursuit Continues
The UFA network, suspected to span numerous websites, was founded by Phuchit, who at the time of reporting, is still at large. Suriya, along with his DSI team, are in hot pursuit of Phuchit, his sister, Phonpansa and 13 other individuals associated with the illegal UFA network and its operations.
Urging those associated with the unlawful gambling operation to turn themselves over to the authorities, Suriya cautioned them against risking further charges related to money laundering. He believes the confiscation of these luxurious villas signifies a significant initial stride in the clampdown on UFA.
