Bangkok —
On October 31st, 2024, Bang Sue Police investigators, working with Thung Song Hong Station, announced the arrest of seven suspects, including six police officers, for allegedly extorting over 300 million baht from a foreign national. The group allegedly forged search warrants in connection with a fake passport case involving foreign nationals.
The incident took place on October 16th at a residence in Bang Phli, Samut Prakan, where the suspects, claiming to be law enforcement, presented a search warrant with a government seal to Mr. Sai (whose last name was withheld by the police), a Vanuatuan national, and his household members.
The suspects accused Sai of being linked to a foreign passport forgery ring and seized all mobile phones and a computer from the household. The suspects reportedly demanded 300 million baht or the equivalent in cryptocurrency (10 million USDT) to “clear” Sai’s charges.
When he declined, they transported him and his wife to a government office for further intimidation, reducing the demand to 10 million baht. Under pressure, Sai eventually transferred digital currency amounting to nearly 5 million baht to the account of the group’s interpreter, Ms. Apasara (whose last name was withheld by the police).
Further demands were made after the release, with Sai transferring additional cryptocurrency. Sai later filed a complaint, prompting an internal investigation that led to the suspects’ identification, according to the police.
On October 31st, police arrested six officers and one civilian accomplice. Charges include misuse of authority and accepting unlawful benefits, with all suspects awaiting prosecution.
The full names of the arrested had not been released to the media as of press time.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
