Woman arrested at train station over mule account linked to mattress scam and online investment fraud

A Thai woman was arrested at a train station over a mule account linked to a mattress scam and online investment fraud.

Kritsana, 38, was apprehended at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station in Bangkok on August 24 while allegedly trying to flee to northern Thailand.

Police said she was wanted under an arrest warrant issued by Na Thawi Provincial Court on charges including jointly defrauding the public, entering false data into a computer system and allowing others to use her bank account.

The case began when suspected fraudsters created a fake Facebook page selling cheap mattresses.

Customers paid 2,400 baht each for the non-existent products, before being directed to add a LINE account to arrange shipping.

But the suspects were said to have enticed victims into investing in a fake online platform, promising high returns with no risk.

The alleged victims were initially paid their earnings, further luring them into depositing larger amounts.

Police said the gang had collected more than 121,315 baht before suddenly disappearing.

Investigations later found that Kritsana's bank account was linked to the scheme. However, she denied participating in the fraud network.

Police Major General Theerachart Theerachartdamrong, commander of the Special Service Division, said Kritsana claimed she was tricked into opening a bank account by a Cambodian friend.

The police chief said: 'The suspect denied all charges and claimed that she was tricked into opening a bank account by a Cambodian friend whom she worked with at a shrimp farm for over 10 years.

‘Her friend claimed it was needed to apply for a maid job and receive salaries, but then cut off all contact.'

Following Kritsana's arrest, the Special Service Division took her Chana Police Station for further legal action.

Kritsana warned others based on her experience: ‘Do not trust anyone, even if you have known them for a long time.

‘If someone asks you to perform a transaction or open an account for them, do not do it.

‘In the end, I am the one who suffers. I got no money and had to face legal action as well.'

Authorities also urged the public not to lend their bank accounts to others, as they could be used to receive money from unknown sources, potentially involving the account holders in criminal offences.