Thai actress, DJ and media personality Nana Rybena (Rybena Intachai) was arrested on the morning of December 3 at her residence in central Bangkok, according to The nation.
The arrest was made by officers from the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECSD) after allegations of running a fraudulent loan and investment scheme that defrauded 17 victims, causing damages of more than 190 million baht.
Authorities have confirmed that Rybena is being investigated for fraud and violations of Thailand’s emergency lending decree, particularly in relation to a deceptive loan scheme she allegedly promoted. Victims reported joining his programs based on trust, reputation, and personal connections.
Her lawyer, Saiyud Pengbunchu, revealed that he advised Rybena to surrender voluntarily on December 1 to demonstrate her willingness to cooperate. However, authorities delayed accepting his surrender and subsequently issued a formal arrest warrant. She was subsequently taken into custody on December 3.
Investigators found that Rybena used her fame and social networks to encourage acquaintances, friends and parents in her community to invest in her projects. These included:
- Personal loan services with monthly interest rates of 4–7%
- Trading stocks with “high-profile investors”
- Investments in basketball court operations
- Catering initiatives abroad
- Family-run business funds
Initially, some investors received the promised returns, which strengthened their credibility. But in February 2025 all payments stopped. Rybena reportedly claimed that her bank accounts had been frozen by authorities, preventing repayment.
When questioned by investors, she issued numerous refund checks, all of which bounced due to insufficient funds. This intensified suspicions that the entire operation operated like a Ponzi scheme, using money from new investors to pay off previous participants.
Police reports also revealed that Rybena allegedly forged bank transfer statements and fake stock transfer documents related to her hairdressing business to deceive investors.
These findings solidified the case that it had violated Thailand’s emergency lending laws through deceptive public lending practices.
Despite mounting evidence, Rybena has denied all allegations, insisting that she never intended to deceive anyone. Police say the investigation is ongoing, with further procedural steps underway.
Earlier, rumors had broken out on Thai social media that a celebrity known only by the initial “N.” had defaulted on debts amounting to 400 million baht. Public suspicion quickly turned towards Nana Rybena, who fits the profile of a very active actress, DJ, TV presenter, pilot and entrepreneur, with a multi-sectoral personality involved in ventures such as: a hairdresser, a children’s clothing line, organization of events and concerts.
Rybena later confirmed that she was celebrity “N.” mentioned in the rumors, though he said he couldn’t reveal details at the time and hoped to continue working.
Sources: K14
