Update June 15th 2019 – Following publication of this article, it has come to light that while Derrick Keller appeared in Eagle Gates Group marketing videos, he didn’t play Eddy McClough.

The actor who played Eddy McClough is still at large. /end update

 

Eagle Gates Group CEO “Eddy McClough” has been outed as Derrick Matthew Keller.

Keller, a US citizen, was arrested by Thai officials on Monday.

Eagle Gates Group was a Ponzi scheme that surfaced in late 2016.

The scam predominantly targeted Thai investors, largely on the premise of multiple marketing videos featuring Keller as CEO Eddy McClough (right).

After Eagle Gates Group collapsed in April 2017, Thai authorities launched an investigation into the scheme.

The investigation, conducted with the assistance of US Homeland Security, revealed Eagle Gates Group victims had lost around $52.2 million dollars.

In December 2017 Thai authorities arrested two local suspects, with  additional warrants issued for eight foreigners.

Since December the suspect list has grown to thirty-two, twenty-three Thais and nine foreigners.

Derrick Matthew Keller was apprehended whilst posing as a tourist in Phuket.

In an initial interrogation, Keller claimed he was working as an actor in China.

During this time he was contacted by a Singaporean national, who eventually hired Keller to ‘pretend to be an executive of a company‘.

That company was of course Eagle Gates Group, and lead to hilarious marketing videos like this.

Thai authorities believe Eagle Gates Group was the latest in a series of scams run by a gang over ten years.

Unfortunately for victims of the scheme, the majority of funds stolen through Eagle Gates Group were withdrawn shortly before collapse.

The DSI is working with the Anti-Money Laundering Office and authorities in foreign countries to examine the money trail of the gang and track down the masterminds behind the scam.

Following the arrest of twelve Thai suspects, Keller is the first of the nine foreigner fugitives to be apprehended.

Earlier today it was revealed Thai authorities are seeking extradition of four Singaporean nationals.

The unnamed suspects are believed to be the masterminds behind the Eagle Gates Group gang of thieves.