Thai Anti-Crime Crusader Accused in $30M Online Gambling Probe

[r_victory]

It often happens that the accuser also hides something. If it is proven, let him pay for the crimes. Here in Brazil something similar is happening; it has no relation to gambling, but some of our ministers of the Supreme Federal Court are involved in a billion-dollar fraud scandal, and they are posing as defenders of the law, practically saints, immaculate.

[Zlantann]

It often happens that the accuser also hides something. If it is proven, let him pay for the crimes. Here in Brazil something similar is happening; it has no relation to gambling, but some of our ministers of the Supreme Federal Court are involved in a billion-dollar fraud scandal, and they are posing as defenders of the law, practically saints, immaculate.

When the court, which is supposed to be the hope of the common man, is run by corrupt officials, the country is finished. Those with connections and financial power will get favorable judgements from these corrupt judges or ministers.

We would have to wait until further investigation is conducted to ascertain if the anti-crime activist is guilty or not. But I am scared he might not get a fair hearing in court if it is the government that is using the allegation to punish him for standing against corruption.

[robelneo]

Historically, the Thai police have had many corruption cases, most notably cases of protecting illegal gambling networks, where many Thai police officers have been arrested over the years on charges of receiving monthly bribes from operators of gambling clubs and illegal websites.
Therefore, I do not rule out the possibility that the police fabricated this charge against him.

If that's the case, then his chances are on the court to clean his name; if the court is corrupt as well, then he is in big trouble to languish in jail. He needs a very good lawyer and strong evidence and witnesses to back up his claim that he is innocent of the charges, and that everything is fabricated.
This is going to be a long process, and he will have a hard time gathering his evidences and witnesses now hat his bail was denied.

[coin-investor]

I assume this fund is suppose to be a donations for the purpose (the office he is holding - anti crime)... but instead of using it to the victims, he use the funds to finance his gambling addiction. 

If it's online transactions, then it's much easier to connect the dots, because of digital footprints, the police can file a court order to open bank accounts and casinos' record books.

Atchariya Ruangrattanapong is very confident in saying that he was framed. Right now, these words are useless if the authorities can present documents that a crime was committed by Atchariya Ruangrattanapong.

The fact that there is a probable cause because of the issuance of a court order, Atchariya Ruangrattanapong will need good lawyers and better evidence to counter those charges.

[alani123]

It's interesting in countries like Thailand to see authorities so eager to throw the book at the few people courageous enough to speak against them publicly. It's certainly a bad look but probably they don't care. Authoritarian regimes aren't much about the looks rather than the fast and uninterrupted enrichment of their participants so they can remain in power longer. I don't expect this to change soon unless the people of Thailand do something themdelves.

[Dave1]

It's interesting in countries like Thailand to see authorities so eager to throw the book at the few people courageous enough to speak against them publicly. It's certainly a bad look but probably they don't care. Authoritarian regimes aren't much about the looks rather than the fast and uninterrupted enrichment of their participants so they can remain in power longer. I don't expect this to change soon unless the people of Thailand do something themdelves.

And I'm speculating that he might have hit the big crime syndicate here and so they are on a demolition job to discredit this person and ruin him for the rest of his life. For sure he knows what he is doing, and if this is true then we can only hope that justice will be serve and he can clean up his name here.

Let's see how it goes, it might drag on for years and the individual might have to cough a lot of money for his defense. We might have seen similar stories too not just in Thailand as we all know that there are a lot of anti-crime crusader trying to stop gambling for good in their country.

[henmark]

The title says, Anti-crime crusader (this person accused), shouldn't the police be with him as they are on the same goal. what happened?

You do not know how the world it? If you have been doing something good, and they saw you did one bad thing, they will not be on your side anymore. That is how life is.

The police will have to do their work, but they will respect the man. If you are with them, you will understand what I am saying as long as the man is not found guilty, but they have to do their work because the man was said to steal money that is not belonging to him.

This must be what the saying says which goes like this; ''Once trust is destroyed, it will now be hard for it to be returned''. So therefore we must always be careful with our actions or decision. It would always be best to think twice or even thrice, and so on... times because the consequence for it is also very tough.

However sometimes the problem is also on the side of the Police Officers because they may also be corrupted. It is like they didn't get their share correctly, so they attack the other party or their co-Police.  Anyway, the man did not steal money mate but it is only said that he was involved in an illegal gambling operation and then money laundering.

[CryptoHeadlineNews]

More seriously, police allege Atchariya solicited donations through the club on the basis that the money would be used to assist crime victims, but some funds were instead used for purposes connected to gambling.

Atchariya has rejected that allegation and said the club’s account had been closed since 2022. He also insisted he could explain the financial activity identified by investigators.

Claims He Is Being Framed
The activist has spent years publicly challenging law enforcement and pursuing high-profile criminal cases. His Crime Victims Assistance Club frequently campaigns on behalf of people who believe they have been failed by police or the justice system.

Source https://www.casino.org/news/thai-anti-crime-crusader-accused-in-30m-online-gambling-probe/

If truly the allegations made against the anti crime crusader about him using the money that was donated for gambling, then that would have been an irresponsible behavior from him. Because initially the money was made to assist crime victims in Thailand, and not an alternative source of fund for gambling. Because had it been he used his personal money for gambling in a responsible manner, I'm pretty sure this allegation wouldn't have been made, despite if am still not sure if his allegation is politically motivated , because as a person of his capacity,  it won't be surprised to know he might have enemies who aren't happy with his anti-crime crusade.

[suzanne5223]

More seriously, police allege Atchariya solicited donations through the club on the basis that the money would be used to assist crime victims, but some funds were instead used for purposes connected to gambling.

Atchariya has rejected that allegation and said the club’s account had been closed since 2022. He also insisted he could explain the financial activity identified by investigators.

Claims He Is Being Framed
The activist has spent years publicly challenging law enforcement and pursuing high-profile criminal cases. His Crime Victims Assistance Club frequently campaigns on behalf of people who believe they have been failed by police or the justice system.

Source https://www.casino.org/news/thai-anti-crime-crusader-accused-in-30m-online-gambling-probe/

If truly the allegations made against the anti crime crusader about him using the money that was donated for gambling, then that would have been an irresponsible behavior from him. Because initially the money was made to assist crime victims in Thailand, and not an alternative source of fund for gambling. Because had it been he used his personal money for gambling in a responsible manner, I'm pretty sure this allegation wouldn't have been made, despite if am still not sure if his allegation is politically motivated , because as a person of his capacity,  it won't be surprised to know he might have enemies who aren't happy with his anti-crime crusade.

Just as you said, it is easy for someone with the capacity that he has to have enemies, and it won't be surprising if he's also the main target of politically motivated allegations because his position and movement for the common people who believe the police system has
 failed what they stand for in the justice system. So there's no way he won't step on many toes while he also hindered the illegal way of making money from some billionaire in the country who later framed him.
I hope he gets a genuine trial in court.

[qwertyup23]

It is difficult to judge in such cases where both sides exchange accusations, as the police say they have evidence of Atchariya’s involvement, while he denies all these charges and says they are politically motivated because of his activism in helping victims of crime and exposing police corruption.

Historically, the Thai police have had many corruption cases, most notably cases of protecting illegal gambling networks, where many Thai police officers have been arrested over the years on charges of receiving monthly bribes from operators of gambling clubs and illegal websites.
Therefore, I do not rule out the possibility that the police fabricated this charge against him.

In Criminal cases, the prosecution has the burden of proof to show beyond reasonable doubt that they have a case for the crime they alleged to be committed by the perpetrator. If both parties have presented evidence that somehow equates to a balance, then the accused shall be acquitted based on reasonable doubt for this matter.

While Thai police have a history of corruption, still, the rule of law must govern and followed. In the gambling world, it creates an environment perfect for all kinds of illegal activities to breed and exist. That is exactly why lots of countries are aggressive in enforcing any kind of their respective laws to tackle such problem and issue.

[Texac]

If it's online transactions, then it's much easier to connect the dots, because of digital footprints, the police can file a court order to open bank accounts and casinos' record books.
Atchariya Ruangrattanapong is very confident in saying that he was framed. Right now, these words are useless if the authorities can present documents that a crime was committed by Atchariya Ruangrattanapong.
The fact that there is a probable cause because of the issuance of a court order, Atchariya Ruangrattanapong will need good lawyers and better evidence to counter those charges.

In my opinion if money was raised to fight crime or help victim, but ended up in online casino account instead, then we're no longer talking about just gambling addiction, but also possible abuse of people's trust and misappropriation of fund.

And according for Achariya Ruangrattanapong's claim that he was framed, I wouldn't completely rule out that possibility. If investigator have document proving that donated money was transferred to gambling account, his lawyer will have to come up with convincing explanation and evidence to challenge those accusation.

But if these accusation turn out to be true, then for someone whose job was to fight crime, using donated money for gambling would be especially serious blow to his reputation an public's trust in him.

[Hispo]

It often happens that the accuser also hides something. If it is proven, let him pay for the crimes. Here in Brazil something similar is happening; it has no relation to gambling, but some of our ministers of the Supreme Federal Court are involved in a billion-dollar fraud scandal, and they are posing as defenders of the law, practically saints, immaculate.

Though, you have to consider that we are talking about someone who was going against the political system of his country here. So, there is a very real possibility he's getting framed for his this crime that he actually did not commit. Remember that he is supposed to be innocent until proven guilty. Anyways, I don't have any information about the his country political situation right now. But this is very typical from people who have a lot to hide and wouldn't like others to find out what they are hiding in the first place.

Also, in the case of Brazil, I am very aware of the level of corruption there are there.
I am myself from Venezuela, which is a highly corrupt country, unfortunately, so I know how bad things can get.

[Smartprofit]

It is difficult to judge in such cases where both sides exchange accusations, as the police say they have evidence of Atchariya’s involvement, while he denies all these charges and says they are politically motivated because of his activism in helping victims of crime and exposing police corruption.

Historically, the Thai police have had many corruption cases, most notably cases of protecting illegal gambling networks, where many Thai police officers have been arrested over the years on charges of receiving monthly bribes from operators of gambling clubs and illegal websites.
Therefore, I do not rule out the possibility that the police fabricated this charge against him.

In Criminal cases, the prosecution has the burden of proof to show beyond reasonable doubt that they have a case for the crime they alleged to be committed by the perpetrator. If both parties have presented evidence that somehow equates to a balance, then the accused shall be acquitted based on reasonable doubt for this matter.

While Thai police have a history of corruption, still, the rule of law must govern and followed. In the gambling world, it creates an environment perfect for all kinds of illegal activities to breed and exist. That is exactly why lots of countries are aggressive in enforcing any kind of their respective laws to tackle such problem and issue.

Not quite so... More precisely, in wealthy developed countries it's probably true, but in poor developing countries, things are quite different. 🙋

For example, I recently watched a podcast on YouTube. A lawyer who worked as an investigator, a prosecutor, and now works as an attorney talked about the specifics of investigative procedures in my country. I used to think that an investigator should understand all the intricacies of a criminal case and acquit an innocent person. In fact, that's not quite true... An investigator (as well as a prosecutor and a plaintiff) is always the prosecution. The defense is the defense attorney and the accused. In other words, the prosecution is inherently stronger than the defense. That's why acquittals are very rare in my country. If a criminal case has already been opened, a guilty verdict is practically a foregone conclusion.

An investigator seeks not to investigate, but to convict the suspect. That's their function. The prosecutor reads the indictment in court.  As a rule, the judge listens to the investigator's arguments, not the adaokat's (after all, the investigator has done a tremendous amount of work). As a result, the judicial system usually becomes a huge trap for the accused.

I don't rule out the possibility that the situation is similar in Thailand. One thing we know for sure: Atchariya has very powerful enemies. Whether he's guilty or not, we don't know for sure. I think you'd have to be incredibly stupid to publicly fight corruption while simultaneously spending other people's money on gambling. 🤷

[Su-asa]

It's so sad that he used money that was donated for important things to gamble, which, of course, is very terrible.
However, the allegations are many, and truth be told,  Atchariya Ruangrattanapong won't come out so easily because there are so many allegations tied to him already.
From what Atchariya Ruangrattanapong said, he said all these allegations are just political attacks, and he denied all the allegations, but he's still in police custody for 12 days, and right now law enforcement is doing their job to investigate further. Well, as for what he said, he might be right that this is another political attack, as he's fighting against illegal police attacks on citizens and other illegal issues.

It's a strong case built against Atchariya, I wonder how he is going to evade this even with his claims of having legitimate proof of all funds in his account or moving through his account.

I think for now no evidence claims he's a fraudster yet, so if he has any proof of the funds in his account then he might be free (temporarily, as the investigation is ongoing), but it might be difficult for him to be free as the allegations are many.

It's just so unbelievable that someone fighting against crime can become so entangled in it for political reasons because he may be offended the wrong group of persons or is simply hiding behind the mask of fighting crime while being the boss of the crimes he's fighting.

These are the two major factors that might cause Atchariya to be put behind bars; if not stepped on the wrong feet, then he might be hiding under the shadow of fighting corruption while he's already a pertaker. However, truth be told, many use anti crime activism as a cover to do illegal things, and they are not yet caught.

[alegotardo]

It is difficult to judge in such cases where both sides exchange accusations, as the police say they have evidence of Atchariya’s involvement, while he denies all these charges and says they are politically motivated because of his activism in helping victims of crime and exposing police corruption.

The key word here will be the evidences, since both sides are trading accusations, but one thing is certain.... 212 transactions totaling more of 40 million baht (-$1,189,060) linking him to a betting network can not be just a vague accusation.
But of course, bank transactions alone do not demonstrate a criminal activity... they will prove that this money came from or went toward something illegal that connects to this betting network.

And I am sure that a person like this must face a lot of persecution, the problem is that he could also just be using this to try to "downplay" the accusation of a crime he really is involved in.... only time will bring the truth to light.

[tread93]

One of Thailand’s best-known anti-crime campaigners has been jailed pending trial after cyber police accused him of involvement in an illegal online boxing betting operation that allegedly handled more than $29 million.

Atchariya Ruangrattanapong, chairman of the Crime Victims Assistance Club and a longtime vocal critic of alleged police corruption, was denied bail Monday, October 5, after appearing at Bangkok Criminal Court.

The court approved a police request to detain the 59-year-old for 12 days while investigators continue examining financial records and questioning witnesses.

Atchariya faces allegations of public fraud, money laundering, illegal electronic betting on boxing, and offenses under Thailand’s Computer Crime Act. He denies all the charges and has suggested the investigation is politically motivated.

Cybercrime officers arrested him Saturday near the Om Noi Boxing Stadium in Samut Sakhon province under a warrant issued the previous day.

$1B Baht Betting Network
Police say more than 1 billion baht, or approximately US$29.6 million, flowed through an alleged online Muay Thai betting operation known as “Muay Pak Yok Variety.”

Investigators identified 212 transactions worth more than 40 million baht ($1.2 million) that they claim linked Atchariya to people associated with the betting operation.

Authorities also examined Atchariya’s personal bank account and an account belonging to the Crime Victims Assistance Club.

Police say the personal account recorded 1,196 incoming and outgoing transactions involving approximately 191 million baht ($57 million), while the club account handled more than 168 million baht ($50 million) through 5,140 transactions. Investigators claim some of the money trail connected donors to boxing gamblers and the alleged betting network.

More seriously, police allege Atchariya solicited donations through the club on the basis that the money would be used to assist crime victims, but some funds were instead used for purposes connected to gambling.

Atchariya has rejected that allegation and said the club’s account had been closed since 2022. He also insisted he could explain the financial activity identified by investigators.

Claims He Is Being Framed
The activist has spent years publicly challenging law enforcement and pursuing high-profile criminal cases. His Crime Victims Assistance Club frequently campaigns on behalf of people who believe they have been failed by police or the justice system.

Source https://www.casino.org/news/thai-anti-crime-crusader-accused-in-30m-online-gambling-probe/

Woah this is the first I have heard of “cyber crime officers” is that really a thing? I guess in Thailand crypto is being used much more prominently than the US? This seems like a pretty well established authority in Thailand and I’m surprised reading this that such a thing exists. I mean I’m not surprised but I didn’t think they would get a special category within the police department this soon.

[danherbias07]

It's interesting in countries like Thailand to see authorities so eager to throw the book at the few people courageous enough to speak against them publicly. It's certainly a bad look but probably they don't care. Authoritarian regimes aren't much about the looks rather than the fast and uninterrupted enrichment of their participants so they can remain in power longer. I don't expect this to change soon unless the people of Thailand do something themdelves.

I agree with that. The same thing is actually happening here in our country. Those who are trying to fight corruption are being attacked because those who are in power want to remain in power. They don't want their seat to be taken by someone who just entered recently, a rookie. What more with those young politicians who they think are inexperienced with the law.
That's the problem with these old-school politicians, especially those who are in power for so long. They know how to use the law against those who try to accuse them of something or those who are trying to take their seat. They use it against them so they can stay in power.
I think the same thing is happening to that person mentioned by OP—just my two cents.

[Yeesha]

Historically, the Thai police have had many corruption cases, most notably cases of protecting illegal gambling networks, where many Thai police officers have been arrested over the years on charges of receiving monthly bribes from operators of gambling clubs and illegal websites.
Therefore, I do not rule out the possibility that the police fabricated this charge against him.

It's possible he's framed. Obviously, from the read it can be seen that he's been on their nerves for long and it's obtainable that corrupt officials find a way to take him down. For a framing to be successful, there's some level of compromise he might have entertained without knowing it's a plot against him, it's an internal game and it seems to have indicted him, so he'll bear the responsibility for the result of entertaining such compromise, if at all.

I'm not also ruling out the possibility that he's guilty, some reputable people exploit their positions to do shady things of which no one would naturally believe when it's uncovered.

Sometimes when someone is trying to fish out people who are wrong, those people might look for opportunities to point out their fingers on him. This kind of cases are not easy to judge, because we don't know what they are all doing behind the veil. There is a possibility that Thai is guilty or not. But according to the law, an accused person is completely innocent, until proven guilty. After they did thorough investigation will be waiting for their solid evidence, because time will tell. There is a possibility that the people he stand against are only trying to frame him.

[DanWalker]

I read about the incident. According to investigator over 200 million in total transaction and 212 suspiciou transaction were found across his personal and club account. However he has clarified that his Crime Victim Assistance Club account had been closed since 2022 and that he possesses record of all his transaction. In my opinion, this could well be an attempt to corner a long time anti corruption activist. It is highly likely that this incident has been staged.

[AVE5]

Atchariya faces allegations of public fraud, money laundering, illegal electronic betting on boxing, and offenses under Thailand’s Computer Crime Act. He denies all the charges and has suggested the investigation is politically motivated.

This is too many count charges for someone that's claimed to had been arrested over gambling offence.
So as the stories lingers, the allegations doesn't only focus on the activist being involved in illegal boxing game activity which is even hosted by another party.
I probably think that the ativist had also followed up some of the corrupted politician's who had also been one of those candidates that steals public fund.
If you also considers the influence of politicians in the societies today and understands how they desperate they're to secure throw secrets and same time be unstable from their evil doings, then you'll see  reasons why you should give this anti crime crusader the benefits of doubt that he's an innocent from the allegations while his arrest maybe politicized just to shut him up from exposing attacking them the real criminals operating in the legal form.