Thai authorities have successfully taken down two sophisticated fraud operations in what is being dubbed “Operation Bridge Blast.” These scams, involving both SMS blasting and VoIP-based call centers, targeted victims across the globe using cutting-edge technologies. This breakthrough highlights the growing technological sophistication of cybercriminals and the increasing challenges faced by authorities in combating such crimes.
The first operation centered on an SMS blasting scheme where fraudsters exploited vulnerabilities in cellular networks to flood victims’ mobile devices with fraudulent messages. The gang behind this operation employed highly advanced equipment, including a mobile power station with an 8,000-watt capacity, a Wi-Fi router, and a base station simulator. This “False Base Station” setup enabled the perpetrators to drive through busy areas of Bangkok, including Sukhumvit Road, sending fake SMS alerts to nearby phones.
The messages, which claimed to offer rewards or gifts in exchange for action, were designed to trick recipients into sharing personal information or making financial transactions. In just three days, from November 11 to 13, 2024, the group sent nearly 1 million fraudulent messages. The leader of the SMS operation, a 35-year-old Chinese national named Yang, was arrested after being found in possession of the blasting equipment. He faces a range of serious charges, including unauthorized possession and use of radio communication equipment and the illegal establishment of a radio communication station.
Simultaneously, Thai authorities uncovered an enormous VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) call center scam that spanned multiple companies and involved over 730 million fraudulent calls. This operation was powered by SIP Trunk technology, a method commonly used in international fraud schemes to disguise the origin of calls and manipulate telecom systems. The operation relied on a complex network of companies, with directors based in both Thailand and China. Three companies, Huanyun Information Technology Co., Ltd., Yun Tian Ke Technology (Thailand) Co., Ltd., and Prima Technology (Thailand) Co., Ltd., were implicated in the scam, using over 11,000 phone numbers to target victims.
The scale of the operation was staggering, and it highlighted the growing use of VoIP technology in large-scale fraud schemes. Authorities have issued warrants for 24 suspects, including 9 foreigners and 15 Thai nationals. So far, 10 individuals have been arrested, while others are believed to have fled the country. Thai law enforcement is now seeking assistance from Interpol to track down the remaining suspects.
The investigation into these fraud rings is ongoing, with authorities working to fully unravel the networks and identify any other individuals involved. This case serves as a stark reminder of the sophisticated methods cybercriminals are using to deceive and defraud people worldwide. As technology continues to evolve, so too does the scale and complexity of these fraud schemes, posing significant challenges to law enforcement agencies around the globe.
References:
- TechSpot, Skye Jacobs, Thai Authorities Dismantle SMS Blasting and VoIP Call Scams in Operation Bridge Blast, November 2024. Link
- Bangkok Post, Thai Authorities Uncover Multi-Million-Dollar Fraud Rings Using Cutting-Edge Tech, November 2024. Link
- Reuters, Operation Bridge Blast: Thai Police Break Up Two Advanced Fraud Operations, November 2024. Link
