Malaysian man arrested in Bangkok over billion-baht gambling network
A 26-year-old Malaysian man, Steven Choong Seng Lok, was arrested at Don Mueang Airport on Tuesday. He had just arrived from Kuala Lumpur on an AirAsia flight. The arrest followed a December 2024 warrant issued by the Nonthaburi Provincial Court.
Choong is accused of running an illegal online gambling site called Hydra888. Authorities believe he laundered billions of baht through the platform. Charges include illegal gambling and money laundering.
Police say Choong used a company as a front to handle Hydra888’s finances. The platform reportedly processed over THB11.5 billion in transactions within a year. He was immediately taken into custody upon arrival.
Investigators are now working to uncover the full scope of the Hydra888 network. They aim to identify cross-border collaborators and additional financial links. Further legal action is underway.