15-7-2024 (BANGKOK) Bangkok police have apprehended five foreign nationals accused of a violent robbery against a British cryptocurrency trader. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of 12 July 2024.
Police Colonel Wachirakorn Wongboon, chief of Khlong Tan Police Station, led the operation that resulted in the arrest of the gang members. The suspects, hailing from Denmark and the United Kingdom, were identified as Abdullahi Ahmed Saney Mohamed, Shafiq Sumya, Ahmed Saeed Yasin, Hussein Mohamed Hassan Sheekh, and an unidentified female.
The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, was reportedly lured to a mansion in the Phra Khanong area of Khlong Toei district under the pretence of socialising. What began as a convivial gathering quickly descended into a nightmarish ordeal for the British trader.
According to police reports, the gang subjected their victim to physical assault, employing both brute force and electric shock devices. The trader was then bound with rope and tape, rendering him helpless as the perpetrators ransacked his belongings.
Authorities managed to track down and apprehend the suspects within 48 hours of the crime. The arrests led to the recovery of stolen items valued at over 3 million baht (approximately $82,900), including smartphones, luxury watches, and a substantial amount of cash.
Despite the overwhelming evidence, the accused have denied all charges, opting to reserve their statements for court proceedings. However, preliminary investigations suggest that this may have been the group’s first foray into such serious criminal activity, with none of the suspects holding steady employment.
The charges levelled against the group are severe and multifaceted. They include armed robbery, assault causing bodily and mental harm, intimidation by a group of five or more individuals, unlawful detention, extortion with weapons, theft of documents, and illegal possession of weapons in public areas.
This incident has raised concerns about the safety of foreign nationals engaged in cryptocurrency trading in Thailand, a country that has seen a surge in digital currency activities in recent years. Local authorities are urging the expatriate community to exercise caution and report any suspicious activities promptly.
