Cover image via Asean Now
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Thai immigration apprehended a Malaysian national at Don Mueang Airport yesterday, 10 July, in connection with alleged ties to the online gambling platform HYDRA888
This platform is implicated in money laundering activities exceeding 11.5 billion baht (RM1.5 billion).
The arrest was announced by Pol Maj Gen Choengron Rimphadee, Commander of Immigration Division 2 (ID2). Immigration officers at Don Mueang had received intelligence indicating that an individual subject to a Thai arrest warrant was due to arrive from Malaysia.
The 26-year-old Malaysian national was apprehended after clearing the international arrival hall
According to the Bangkok Post, he was identified as a suspect named in an arrest warrant issued by the Nonthaburi Provincial Court on 16 December 2024.
The charges against him include operating an unlicensed online gambling platform, conspiring with others to commit money laundering, and engaging in money laundering activities.
The suspect was identified as Steven Choong Seng Lok
After his arrest, the suspect was transferred to the Technology Crime Suppression Division 2 for further legal processing.
This operation forms part of broader, intensified measures initiated by National Police Chief Pol General Kitrat Phanphet to combat cross-border criminal activities, especially those involving technology-related crime and money laundering.
Under Thai law — specifically the Gambling Act B.E. 2478 (1935) and the Anti-Money Laundering Act, B.E. 2542 (1999) — unauthorised gambling and financial crimes carry severe penalties, particularly when cross-border money movements are involved.
