Thailand Prosecutes 1,014 Individuals, Including 258 Chinese Nationals, for Financial Crimes; Malaysia Arrests Singaporeans in $51 Million Fraud Case

Thailand is prosecuting over 1,000 individuals, including more than 250 Chinese nationals, for financial crimes related to money laundering for online scam centers. The Thai police conducted raids at 46 locations nationwide, uncovering 422 companies where Chinese nationals allegedly used Thai nominees for illegal activities, involving over 3.6 billion baht. The total number of implicated individuals stands at 1,014, which includes 258 Chinese nationals along with Thais and others. In a separate development, Malaysia has arrested several Singaporeans in connection with a US$51 million fraud case. Additionally, a Malaysian Royal Commission of Inquiry has recommended a criminal investigation into former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad regarding his handling of a sovereignty dispute with Singapore over two disputed islets in the Singapore Strait.