A Swedish man was arrested yesterday, April 29, for stealing data from a hotel in Pattaya and using it in a scam that caused losses exceeding 100,000 baht among 35 victims.
The case emerged after a hotel in Pattaya reported to Cyber Police that several guests were targeted by fraudulent messages sent to them via a fake hotel email. Investigators identified the suspect as 42 year old Swedish national Mikael Tony Christian. Some Thai media reported that he also holds Finnish citizenship.
Police said Christian has expertise in information technology and has lived in Thailand with his Thai wife for over eight years. His wife was employed at the hotel involved in the case.
Investigators found that Christian accessed the hotel’s backend system using his wife’s login credentials. He then collected contact details of both Thai and foreign guests.
Then, the Swedish man created a fake hotel website and email accounts to contact victims. He claimed they had damaged hotel property during their stay and requested compensation payments.
Some victims transferred money as requested. Cyber Police reported that more than 35 victims were affected, with total losses exceeding 100,000 baht.
Following the investigation and evidence provided by the hotel, officers searched a property in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri, where Christian was arrested. Police seized a computer, a hard disk, a mobile phone, and 22 additional items as evidence.
Officers have not disclosed the legal charges filed against the suspect and have not confirmed whether his wife was involved in the operation.
Police urged anyone who previously visited Pattaya and believes they may have been affected by the Pattaya hotel scam to contact Cyber Police and provide information.
Cyber Police also stated during a press briefing yesterday that online fraud accounts for around 50 to 60% of scam cases in Thailand.
Officials added that they had cracked down on multiple mule accounts even if criminal groups try to avoid detection by using cardless ATM withdrawals.
They also noted that Pattaya and eastern provinces are areas where some foreign suspects are believed to be operating.
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