On Friday, authorities apprehended a Chinese-language interpreter implicated in the activities of a Chinese abduction syndicate operating in the Din Daeng area since April 25, announced Pol Maj Gen Noppasin Poonsawat, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB).
The arrested interpreter, identified as Theerachai Chaloemwanpen, 36, was apprehended by MPB and Metropolitan Police Division 1 officers and taken to Din Daeng police station.
According to police reports, Mr. Theerachai confessed to his involvement with the criminal group responsible for kidnapping five Chinese nationals from a hotel room in Soi Pracha Songkroh 2, also known as Soi Sutthiporn, on April 25.
Allegedly, he was recruited by a traffic constable from Phaya Thai station, identified as Pol Sgt Maj Weerayut Phetcharat, to serve as an interpreter for the abducted Chinese nationals, with a weekly wage of 15,000 baht, as disclosed by Pol Maj Gen Noppasin.
The abduction occurred at the hotel, with the perpetrators demanding a ransom of 2.5 million baht to be paid in digital currency. Surveillance footage identified an 11-member gang, including current and former police officers, using four vehicles for the abduction.
The victims reported the incident to Din Daeng police station four days later, on April 29.
Subsequent investigations resulted in warrants issued for five individuals involved, including Mr. Theerachai, Pol Sgt Maj Weerayut, and Atthawut Sumonrattanakul, a former senior sergeant major at Kannayao station.
Mr. Atthawut, previously suspended from his positions, was apprehended on Friday, noted Pol Maj Gen Noppasin, adding that he refused to cooperate with the police, expressing willingness only to testify in court. Meanwhile, Pol Sgt Maj Weerayut evaded arrest, according to Pol Maj Gen Noppasin.
The police are currently pursuing the remaining six members of the gang.
Deputy Bangkok police chief Pol Maj Gen Noppasin Poonsawat, centre, speaks of the case at the Din Daeng police station on Saturday. (Police photo)
credit Bangkok post