6-12-2023 (BANGKOK) Immigration police in Thailand have successfully arrested a 31-year-old Australian man suspected of being a member of the notorious Hells Angels gang, along with two Japanese individuals believed to have connections with the yakuza syndicate. These three individuals had been sought by authorities for their involvement in various criminal activities.
The arrest of the Australian suspect, identified only as Elices, took place at a lavish condominium located on Soi Thong Lor, as confirmed by Pol Maj Gen Phanthana Nuchanart, Deputy Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, on Wednesday. The apprehension was carried out in response to a warrant issued by Australian law enforcement, citing 38 offenses committed by Elices. Among these crimes were the smuggling of 14 kilograms of methamphetamine, engaging in transnational criminal activities, and 36 other charges related to firearms.
According to the police, Elices entered Thailand using an Italian passport under the name MR Gjini, arriving on a chartered private plane. However, his true identity was discovered when the authorities found his Australian passport during his arrest. Pol Maj Gen Phanthana revealed that the Australian suspect held a prominent position within the Hells Angels gang, which specializes in the illicit trade of narcotics and firearms.
The arrests of the three foreign nationals occurred over the course of Sunday and Monday. The two Japanese men, identified as Masao (36) and Suzuki (24), were apprehended at a rented residence in a luxurious housing estate situated in the Phatthanakan area. Authorities suspect both individuals to be associated with the yakuza organization.
Masao faces charges of theft after allegedly stealing the mobile phone of a maid who had used it to capture evidence of their suspicious activities within the house. As for Suzuki, he has been charged with overstaying his visa.
Pol Maj Gen Phanthana stated that the police believe the Japanese duo to be part of a larger group of four or five men engaged in illicit activities, primarily drug trafficking. The suspects frequently changed their location, residing together in rented accommodations.
Further investigations revealed that Masao was wanted in Japan for 18 offenses, including drug-related crimes and physical assault. On the other hand, Suzuki had been suspected of three cases involving physical assault and robbery in Japan, according to Pol Maj Gen Phanthana.
