Chinese businessmen extorted for 2.5 million baht in Bangkok

Bangkok was the scene of a dare extortion case involving five Chinese businessmen and a group of Thais, including law enforcement officersyesterday, May 5. A press conference held by Din Daeng police and other relevant agencies revealed the shocking incident in which the businessmen were forcibly detained and extorted for 2.5 million baht.

The incident began on April 25 when the Chinese businessmen were allegedly forced into the confines of a hotel in Bangkok by four Thai men. They were then led to waiting cars. Fears about their situation were heightened by the kidnappers’ demand for a staggering sum of 2.5 million baht.

After delving deeper into the case, the police applied to the Thai criminal court for arrest warrants against seven suspects. The alleged perpetrators consisted of two police officers, a retired officer and four civilians. The identities of four other suspects are still under investigation.

By the time of the press conference, police had managed to secure the arrest of five people. The group included Police Sergeant Major Atthawut, a 52-year-old retired officer from Khan Na Yao Police, who was believed to be the ringleader. The other arrested suspects were 36-year-old Theerachai, 39-year-old Nophasin, 28-year-old police sergeant Phuwadet and 33-year-old Jarunet.

The criminal judge identified one of the fugitive suspects as Virayuth, a 28-year-old police officer from Phaya Thai. He was believed to have played an integral role in the extortion scheme.

One of the victims, Yang, was lured into the plot under the guise of a digital currency transaction worth US$65,000, equivalent to 2.5 million baht.

To exchange money

According to police reports, Jarunet admitted that he was tasked with meeting the Chinese businessmen to facilitate a money exchange using a digital currency card reader. The businessmen were looking for an agent to convert their digital currency into Thai baht.

After the meeting, Jarunet was instructed to feign victimhood, leading the businessmen to believe that they were all being arrested by the suspects posing as police officers.

The entire act was a ruse, with the suspects ultimately demanding 5 million baht. The final amount was negotiated to 2.5 million baht. When the transaction was completed, the suspects divided the money into 11 parts, reflecting their role, according to police statements, Pattaya News reported.

Police have since identified two more suspects and applied for arrest warrants at Thailand’s criminal court. The investigation continues to determine the identities of the remaining suspects and bring them to justice for their crimes.

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