7-11-2024 (BANGKOK) Prominent Thai attorney Sittra Biabungkerd and his wife Pathitta were apprehended on Thursday morning during what police describe as an apparent attempt to flee to Cambodia, following allegations of a 71-million-baht fraud scheme involving a EuroMillions lottery winner.
The couple were intercepted by Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) officers while travelling in their Porsche Cayenne along the Kabin Buri-Chachoengsao Highway in Phanom Sarakham district, east of Bangkok. Assistant Police Chief Pol Maj Gen Akaradet Pimolsri indicated that the timing of the arrest coincided with the Criminal Court’s issuance of arrest warrants for both individuals.
The case centres around accusations from Jatuporn “Madame Oy” Ubonlert, 58, a Thai national residing in France, who claims Mr Sittra deceived her in connection with an alleged online lottery project. The complainant, who reportedly won a substantial EuroMillions jackpot worth several billion baht, had undergone multiple police interviews before the warrants were issued.
Mr Sittra faces charges of fraud and money laundering, while his wife has been charged with money laundering offences. Upon their arrest, authorities seized their luxury vehicle, registered under the plate number Thor Kor 999, discovering travel bags, bedding, and documentation inside.
CIB Deputy Commissioner Pol Maj Gen Suwat Saengnoom confirmed that both suspects have denied all charges, with police opposing any potential bail applications. A subsequent search of Mr Sittra’s Bangkok residence in Taling Chan district yielded numerous luxury items, including jewellery and designer bags, which have been impounded for investigation.
The arrest marks a dramatic turn for Mr Sittra, who had previously gained public attention for his involvement in high-profile cases, including representing a retired police officer in a 30-million-baht lottery ticket theft case and filing money laundering accusations against a former national police chief.
Just two days before his arrest, Mr Sittra had appeared at the Crime Suppression Division, requesting police questioning regarding the allegations. During this appearance, he maintained that the 71 million baht in question was given to him as a gift by the complainant.
