Chinese actor Wang Xing was rescued after being lured to a fraud park in Myawaddy, Myanmar for an audition earlier this year, which attracted widespread attention. Recently, Thai media reported that a Chinese tourist was kidnapped by Thai police and extorted 4 million baht (52,560 Malaysian Ringgit). After an investigation, the Bangkok Metropolitan Police arrested one former police officer and two current police officers.
Kidnapping of Chinese Tourist and Forcing Transfer of 520,000
According to Thai media, on the morning of April 15, the Thai police led a special task force with an arrest warrant for cases of corruption and misconduct issued by the Central Criminal Court to arrest a traffic division police major, 34-year-old Major Jack from Phaya Thai Police Station. A warrant was issued for this person for "jointly committing extortion, impersonating an officer, and detaining or imprisoning others."
It is reported that on April 29, 2024, a Chinese tourist reported to Din Daeng Police Station that he was kidnapped by a group of men claiming to be police officers at a hotel on Phaya Song Khro Soi 2 and was forced to transfer 4 million baht of digital currency to avoid charges.
Later, the victim's transfer fee was reduced to 3 million baht (39,420 Malaysian Ringgit). Out of fear, the victim contacted a friend in Cambodia and transferred $65,000 (28,690 Malaysian Ringgit) of digital currency to the criminal gang, after which he was released and eventually reported to the police.
3 Police Officers Arrested
The Bangkok Metropolitan Police conducted an investigation and arrested the gang leader, former police officer Atthawut Sumanrat thanakul from Hana Yo Police Station, as well as Special Officers Phuwadet Kletklee and Major Jack, who are still serving at the London Metropolitan Police.
Royal Thai Police General Commissioner Kittirat Phanpetch revealed that no fewer than 10 people were involved in this case, and 5 have been arrested so far.