30-5-2023 (BANGKOK) Thai authorities announced on Monday (May 29) that they have officially charged a Canadian man, whom they describe as a mercenary, with the murder of an Indian gangster in the popular resort island of Phuket.
The investigation was launched following the fatal shooting of Jimi “Slice” Sandhu in February 2022. Sandhu, known by his nickname due to a distinct scar on his face, was the victim of the attack.
Last year, Interpol issued a red notice for the arrest of Canadian citizen Matthew Leandre Ovide Dupre in connection with the murder. The 38-year-old suspect was subsequently extradited from Canada and arrived back in Thailand on Sunday.
National Police Chief Damrongsak Kittiprapas informed reporters that Dupre is considered a significant suspect, emphasizing that he is a professional mercenary. Damrongsak revealed that Dupre had flown in specifically to carry out the murder, even though he did not bring a weapon with him.
Dupre has been charged with premeditated murder, illegal possession of a firearm, and discharging a firearm, according to a police statement. However, he denies all charges.
Damrongsak disclosed that Dupre, a former soldier and mercenary who had worked in various countries, including Afghanistan, arrived in Bangkok directly from Canada on a special Thai Air Force flight. He noted that the case presented challenges, as commercial flights and countries were unwilling to allow the plane to refuel due to concerns about potential hostage-taking.
Authorities will continue to investigate the source of the weapon used in the crime.
Canada and Thailand have an agreement to provide mutual assistance, including extradition, in criminal cases. Thai state prosecutor Intranee Sumawong assured Canadian authorities regarding Thailand’s use of the death penalty under a new extradition bill.
Sandhu was shot on February 15, 2022, shortly after arriving on a private jet from Malaysia. CCTV footage obtained by the police captured two individuals emerging from bushes, opening fire on Sandhu, and fleeing into the darkness.
According to Interpol’s 2022 notice, Sandhu’s car had been fitted with a GPS tracker prior to the attack.
Sandhu had been deported from Canada in 2016 due to multiple criminal offenses and resurfaced when he was detained in India in 2018 in connection with a ketamine factory.
Another individual, Gene Karl Lahrkamp, who was also sought in connection with the murder, tragically died in a small plane crash in 2022, as reported by Canadian media.
