Thai snooker star James Wattana, who is better known locally as “Tong Sitchoi”, has fallen victim to a call centre scam gang who allegedly cheated him out of about 3.2 million baht.

James, who has just won a gold medal in the doubles snooker competition at the SEA Games in Cambodia, said he received a phone call at about 11pm on Tuesday, informing about an allegation that he had been involved in illicit drug trafficking and money laundering and demanding that he wire them money to settle the case.

Tong said he transferred money from his bank account 10 times, to the tune of 3.2 million baht, leaving only 8,000 baht deposit in his bank account.

He has denied involvement in illegal activities.

The snooker legend said that he has filed a complaint with Wang Thong Lang police, adding that he is scheduled to play today (Friday) in a snooker tournament, but he has lost his concentration and dares not answer any phone calls.

Police said that it was the same trick commonly used by scammers to deceive their potential victims to transfer money into “mule” accounts, after which the gang will block the victims’ phone number.