AMLO keeps crackdowns on call center scams

BANGKOK, May 4 (TNA) - Thailand's Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) has continued cracking down against call center scams and has returned about 11.81 million baht totally to more than 70 victims since late last year. AMLO stated that the money it has returned to the 73 victims is part of a total amount of about 35.33 million baht it has successfully suspended from 82 cases totally since its operational center against call center scams was opened in November 2017, before the illegal gangs withdrew the money from the victims' bank accounts. AMLO said a latest amount of about 1.17 million baht it has suspended was given to the Royal Thai Police, in a ceremony held in Bangkok on Friday and joined by representatives of relevant commercial banks, for returning to four victims among the 73 cases. According to the AMLO, there have been, however, up to 345 victims of call center scams reported to its operational center's hotline, 1710, so far with a total amount of about 142.96 million baht they have been tricked. AMLO acknowledged that part of the seized money will go to the state coffers if there are no victims of some cases reported to the police, notifying that its operational center's hotline is opened for the public service 24 hours with no holidays. AMLO, meanwhile, warned that people who are hired to open bank accounts for any illegal call center gang, if found guilty, may be jailed up to the maximum of 10 years for criminal money laundering offences. (TNA)