CHALLENGES AND OBSTACLES IN INVESTIGATING ONLINE TRADING FRAUD: A CASE STUDY ON THE USE OF MULE ACCOUNTS AT SI RACHA PROVINCIAL POLICE STATION

Abstract

          This research aims to 1. examine the situation of online trading fraud, with   a specific focus on cases involving the use of mule accounts 2. investigate the challenges and obstacles in the investigation of online trading fraud cases that involve mule accounts under the jurisdiction of the Si Racha Provincial Police Station; and  3. propose guidelines for improving the investigative process of online trading fraud cases that involve the use of mule accounts at the Si Racha Provincial Police Station. This study employs a qualitative research design, collecting data through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 17 key informants selected through purposive sampling. The informants include police officers, victims, offenders, academics, technology-related crime experts, judges, and public prosecutors in Chonburi Province. The data were analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed that online trading fraud is becoming more frequent and severe. Offenders often create fake accounts, post fraudulent advertisements mimicking genuine products, and use mule accounts to transfer money. The main problems and obstacles identified include  1. delays in obtaining information from banks and difficulty tracing complex financial transactions; 2. heavy workload of investigating officers; 3. jurisdictional conflicts in investigation; 4. challenges in proving the intent of mule account holders; and 5. limited public awareness and insufficient dissemination of preventive information.