Over 50 mini PCs, illicit SIM routers seized in raid on Chinese-rented condo

A RAID on a condominium unit in Bangkok’s Prawet district rented by a Chinese man led to the seizure of over 50 mini PCs hooked on to unauthorised SIM routers which were likely used by a call centre scam gang to intercept online data, Amarin TV said this evening (Oct. 6).

Following a tip-off by a member of the public that something suspicious was going on at a unit on a high floor of a condominium building on Srinakarin Road, a Technology Crime Suppression Division team raided it after getting a warrant from Phra Khanong Criminal Court to do so.

Investigation revealed that Mr. Zhang Haning, 36, from China, has been renting this condo from the owner for several years now. However after signing the lease he did not move in to live there.

Found within the unit were 50 mini computers linked to unauthorised SIM routers to receive Internet signals with all of them in use. As these electronic equipment, totalling 137 items, were making unapproved use of cellular networks, all were seized.

It is suspected that these devices may have been used to transmit signals and intercept online data, such as SMS and one-time passcode (PIN), or hack certain systems. They may have also been used to create fake server or router usage data to avoid tracking by the authorities.

This is an offence under the Radio Communications Act B.E. 2498 (1955), with Sections 6 and 11 in conjunction with Section 23 amended, for possessing and using radio communication equipment and setting up a radio communication station without permission. The penalty is five years imprisonment or a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both.

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Police inspect the numerous mini PCs and SIM routers at the condo they raided. Photos – Amarin TV