Using Fame for '81.4 Billion' Investment Scam
Caught While Posing as Local During Escape
A Thai woman who had been active as a girl group member in Korea was arrested after fleeing for two years in Indonesia following a fraud. The woman was caught when she failed to answer questions from immigration officers about the Indonesian state and constitution while obtaining a passport under a false identity.
On the 31st of last month, Hong Kong media South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported, "Natamon Kongchak (31), known by the stage name 'Naughty,' was repatriated to Thailand with her mother on the 25th of last month." They are under police investigation in connection with a 2 billion baht (approximately 81.4 billion KRW) fraud case that caused more than 6,000 victims two years ago.
Kongchak, who was active under the label 'Dream Cinema' in Korea, gained great popularity in Thailand by posting cover videos of famous K-pop groups such as BLACKPINK and BTS. She has over 800,000 followers.
Kongchak used her popularity to introduce herself as an investment expert to her followers. She deceived them by claiming that if they deposited money into her account, they would receive monthly returns of 25% in 3 months, 30% in 6 months, and 35% in 1 year. She flaunted luxury bags and high-end cars through Thai TV shows and social media accounts like Instagram to showcase her wealth and attract investments.
When victims protested after not receiving their money, Kongchak admitted to a "transaction mistake" but threatened, "If you report me to the police, you will be imprisoned and will never get your money back." Three months later, she fled abroad with her mother and secretary. They illegally entered Indonesia via Malaysia from southern Thailand and continued their escape for about two years until they were arrested on the 18th for illegal entry along with her mother.
She was caught when an immigration officer became suspicious of her accent while she was applying for a passport disguised as a local in Indonesia. It was reported that she failed to respond to the requirement to recite the Indonesian state and constitution at that time.
The police seized assets worth 16 million baht (approximately 650 million KRW) from them and stated that they are currently investigating the flow of funds to recover additional money.
Meanwhile, in Thailand, fraud charges can result in a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.
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