Indian Scam Gang Busted in Thailand for Kidnapping and Extortion
BANGKOK – April 19, 2025 — Thai police have arrested seven foreign nationals, including six Indians and one Pakistani, accused of kidnapping fellow Indian citizens and demanding a ransom of 2.5 million rupees (approximately 976,000 baht) per victim.
The victims were lured to Thailand under the pretense of job placements, then held hostage in a rented house in Samut Prakan. Police rescued three Indian men:
- Ramesh Sharma (48)
- Amandeep Kajal (27)
- Vipulkumar Shambhulal Patel (41)
The alleged ringleader, Deep Sandhu (32), was tracked and arrested in Chon Buri, where he sent extortion messages via WhatsApp. Investigations revealed the gang targeted Indian nationals, tricking them with job offers and detaining them while threatening their families.
The arrested suspects include:
- Deep Sandhu, ringleader (India)
- Simranjit Singh (35, India)
- Gurwinder Singh (35, India)
- Nitin Salaria (36, India)
- Muhammad Afzal (57, Pakistan)
- Sourav (26, India)
- Abhishek (25, India)
Charges filed include:
- Joint unlawful detention
- Attempted extortion
- Coercion
- Involvement in a criminal gang
The suspects denied all allegations. Police opposed bail, citing flight risk due to lack of permanent residence in Thailand.
Authorities are working with immigration and Indian officials to trace the suspects’ backgrounds and uncover any additional accomplices or victims.
