Malaysian suspect wanted by US officials arrested in Thailand for alleged illegal global wildlife trafficking

Bangkok –

A Malaysian national, 58, was arrested in Bangkok yesterday, June 30th, after being wanted by United States of America officials for reportedly operating illegal rhino horns and elephant ivory trafficking globally before escaping arrest to Thailand.

Lieutenant General Jirapob Phuridet, Commander of the Central Investigation Police, along with Thai police and US wildlife protection officials have captured Boon Ching Teo at a hotel in the Wang Thonglang district following the Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for charges of conspiracy to commit wildlife trafficking, support, and disguising money laundering.

Prior to the arrest, Thailand’s arrest force previously received information from the US Fish and Wildlife Division that Boon Ching Teo was notoriously known as the “Godfather” of illegal wildlife protection trafficking across the world that smuggled rhino horns, African elephant ivories, and other rare African wild animals.

Boon Ching Teo was reportedly involved in money laundering for wildlife trade movements around the world, making him one of the most wanted suspects in the United States. The latest investigation revealed that he was traveling to Thailand for business. Therefore, both US and Thailand authorities jointly investigated and eventually arrested the suspect.

Initially, Boon Ching Teo denied all charges, claiming that he traveled to Thailand to talk about the cannabis oil business. According to a criminal background check, he was previously arrested by Thai police in 2015 for smuggling ivory for a client in Thailand through a national border in Sadao District, Songkhla.

He is now in the custody of Thai police and would be transferred for further prosecution in the United States.

Photo Courtesy: Matichon

The original version of this article appeared on our sister website, The Pattaya News, owned by our parent company TPN media.

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Nop Meechukhun
National News Writer at The Pattaya News from September 2020 to October 2022. Born and raised in Bangkok, Nop enjoys telling stories of her hometown through her words and pictures. Her educational experience in the United States and her passion for journalism have shaped her genuine interests in society, politics, education, culture, and art.