---
title: "Thailand Seizes $1 Billion in Assets in Transnational Money Laundering Case Involving Ben Smith"
description: "Thai authorities have frozen and confiscated 35.8 billion baht (about $1 billion) in assets in a transnational money laundering case involving South African businessman Ben Smith and his Cambodian partner."
date: 2026-10-28T11:41:54.520Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/thailand-seizes-1-billion-assets-money-laundering-ben-smith
tags: [thailand, money-laundering, ben-smith, securities-market, set-exchange, interpol]
author: "Andrey Kosynko"
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Thailand Seizes $1 Billion in Assets in Transnational Money Laundering Case Involving Ben Smith

![South African businessman Benjamin Mauerberger, also known as Ben Smith, smiling inside a restaurant.](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/28/tailand-konfiskacia-aktivov-otmyvanie-deneg-ben-smith/tailand-konfiskacia-aktivov-otmyvanie-deneg-ben-smith-1.webp)

## Key Points

- Thailand froze and confiscated 35.8 billion baht (about $1 billion) in assets as part of a transnational money laundering case.
- Key figures are South African businessman Benjamin Mauerberger (Ben Smith) and his Cambodian partner Yim Lik.
- According to investigators, funds were transferred through Cambodian banks and Singapore funds, then used to buy shares on the SET exchange.
- Seizures include shares in Bangchak, VGI, and MFC worth 14.8 billion baht, as well as real estate, yachts, cars, and cash.
- Arrest warrants have been issued for seven suspects; six have been placed on Interpol's Red Notice list.

On October 27, Thai authorities announced the freezing and confiscation of assets worth 35.8 billion baht — approximately $1 billion USD. The measure was taken as part of an investigation into a transnational money laundering network involving, according to investigators, South African businessman Benjamin Mauerberger, also known as Ben Smith, and his Cambodian partner Yim Lik. This was reported by a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Bangkok. The operation became one of the largest in the history of Thai financial oversight and spanned multiple jurisdictions.

### Fund Transfer Scheme

According to the Royal Thai Police, the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the criminal group is accused of transferring proceeds of crime through banks in Cambodia and investment funds in Singapore. Investigators claim the money was then used to buy shares of companies listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). Thus, according to the authorities, illicit capital flows were laundered through the country's securities market.

### What Exactly Was Seized

Among the confiscated assets, investigators named shares in companies such as Bangchak, VGI, and MFC Fund Management Company, totaling 14.8 billion baht. In addition to securities, the seizure list included real estate, yachts, luxury cars, and cash in bank accounts. The total volume of frozen assets, according to the authorities, is about 35.8 billion baht.

### Profile of the Key Figure

According to the investigation, Mauerberger was previously banned from acting as a stockbroker in New Zealand. After that, he moved to Bangkok and, investigators claim, established ties with several officials. It is noted that he and his Thai wife left the country in September 2025 — before the crackdown on illicit securities trading began, which authorities say made his apprehension difficult.

### Arrests and International Wanted List

Thai authorities have issued arrest warrants for seven suspects on charges of money laundering, participation in organized crime, and violations of the Securities Act. Six of them, currently residing abroad, have been placed on Interpol's Red Notice list. The investigation continues: according to the authorities, its goal is to recover the confiscated assets and pay compensation to affected investors.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- [Таиланд конфисковал 1 миллиард долларов в рамках дела о транснациональном отмывании денег.](https://www.vietnam.vn/ru/thai-lan-thu-giu-1-ti-usd-trong-vu-rua-tien-xuyen-quoc-gia) - Primary source: VNA correspondent report from Bangkok on Oct 27. Mentioned 35.8 billion baht (~$1B USD), figures (Ben Smith / Mauerberger, Yim Lik), scheme via Cambodia and Singapore, Bangchak/VGI/MFC shares worth 14.8 billion baht, warrants for 7 suspects and Interpol Red Notice for 6.

## FAQ

### How much in assets was confiscated in Thailand?

According to Thai authorities, assets worth 35.8 billion baht — approximately $1 billion USD — have been frozen and confiscated.

### Who are the key figures in the case?

South African businessman Benjamin Mauerberger, known as Ben Smith, and his Cambodian partner Yim Lik.

### How did the laundering scheme work, according to investigators?

Funds were transferred through banks in Cambodia and investment funds in Singapore, and then used to buy shares of companies listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET).

### What happened to the suspects?

Arrest warrants have been issued for seven suspects; six of them living abroad have been placed on Interpol's Red Notice list. Mauerberger and his wife left Thailand in September 2025.