- The Anti-Online Scam Operation Centre (AOC) suspended over 92,000 mule bank accounts in January and February of this year, totaling 547,558 suspensions since its establishment in November 2023.
- The AOC collaborated with the police to arrest 523 mule account owners in December 2024 and January 2025.
- Individuals who allow call-centre gangs to use their bank accounts face potential legal action, including a maximum jail term of three years, a maximum fine of 300,000 baht, and possible compensation lawsuits from victims.
AOC’s Actions Against Mule Bank Accounts
The Anti-Online Scam Operation Centre (AOC) of the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry has taken significant steps to combat online scams, suspending over 92,000 mule bank accounts in the first two months of this year.
According to DES Minister Prasert Chantararuangthong, the AOC, which was set up to receive public complaints via the 1441 hotline, has been instrumental in the suspension or closure of these accounts in January and February. These figures are exclusive of accounts closed or frozen under the Anti-Money Laundering Office’s initiatives or through commercial banks’ own measures.
The minister emphasized that the collaboration between the AOC and other relevant agencies has significantly bolstered efforts to combat illegal activities online. He also highlighted the importance of public participation in reporting suspicious accounts, which allows authorities to take swift action. Moving forward, the government plans to enhance monitoring systems and strengthen partnerships with financial institutions to further curb fraudulent activities and protect citizens from online scams.
Arrests and Warnings Issued
In addition to the suspension of 547,558 mule bank accounts between November 2023 and February 2025, the AOC has also cooperated with the police to arrest 523 owners of mule accounts in December and January. Prasert warned that anyone allowing call-centre gangs to use their bank accounts for receiving money from victims would face legal action from the AOC, with penalties including a maximum jail term of three years and a maximum fine of 300,000 baht.
He further cautioned that mule account holders could also be sued for compensation by victims. Prasert urged individuals who had opened bank accounts for call-centre gangs without fully considering the consequences to immediately contact their banks to close these accounts and avoid legal action.
In addition, he emphasized the importance of public awareness campaigns to educate people about the risks of becoming mule account holders. Authorities are working closely with financial institutions to monitor suspicious activities and identify those who may be unknowingly aiding criminal networks. Prasert also encouraged the public to report any suspected fraudulent activities to the relevant authorities to help curb the growing issue of financial scams.
