In a dramatic crackdown, Pattaya police arrested 17 Chinese nationals accused of running a massive cross-border loan shark operation from luxury villas in South Pattaya’s Pratumnak Hill area.
The raid, executed on Wednesday, November 27, uncovered a sophisticated illegal network allegedly serving thousands of clients in China. Acting on a warrant issued by the Pattaya Provincial Court, officers stormed two high-end rented villas, apprehending the suspects and exposing a staggering cash flow of over 135 million baht.
Police revealed that the arrested individuals acted as administrators for the network, earning monthly salaries of approximately 100,000 baht, with additional commissions tied to the loans they disbursed and the debts they recovered. The network’s modus operandi appears to involve high-interest lending, a hallmark of loan sharking operations.
“This operation highlights the reach of organised financial crime networks exploiting international borders.”
Police are ramping up their investigation to trace the broader web of operatives connected to the syndicate. The suspects reportedly worked with accomplices still at large, who remain the focus of ongoing police efforts, reported Pattaya News.
Residents in the upscale Pratumnak Hill neighbourhood were shocked to learn of the illicit activities taking place in their midst. The area, known for its luxury accommodations and picturesque views, has now gained unwanted attention due to the criminal enterprise uncovered there.
In related news, a Chinese woman linked to an illegal loan shark gang was apprehended by Thai Tourist Police at Suvarnabhumi International Airport while attempting to pick up a relative. The event unfolded as police, acting under the orders of Sak’sira Phuak-am and Phongsiam Mimongkol, conducted an operation to counteract criminal activities at the airport. Among the vehicles stopped for inspection was a suspicious Ford car registered in Chiang Mai, driven by a Chinese national.
In other news, two members of the infamous Demon Loan Shark Gang were arrested after expanding their illegal loan operation into Chon Buri.
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