22-10-2024 (BANGKOK) In a startling turn of events that reads like a crime thriller, Thai authorities have apprehended a Chinese couple accused of masterminding the abduction and extortion of two Chinese nationals, including the woman’s former husband, in a scheme that netted approximately 12 million baht.
Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Police Major General Nopasilp Poolsawat, revealed on Tuesday that the suspects, identified as Liu Bomr and Du Yangzhen, were part of a six-person gang involved in the elaborate kidnapping plot.
According to police reports, the saga began when Du, the female suspect, confided in her new husband about alleged abuse from her ex-spouse. This disclosure apparently sparked a vengeful plan, with the new husband reaching out to a Chinese associate known only as “Tong” to assemble a team for what was initially intended as a robbery.
The gang, which grew to include three Myanmar nationals, convened at a rented property in Bangkok’s Lat Phrao-Wang Hin area to strategise their criminal endeavour. On the pretext of a cryptocurrency exchange, Du lured her former husband to prepare 3.2 million baht in cash.
The trap was sprung last Saturday when five armed men stormed Anget Property (Thailand) Co., located in the Huai Khwang district. They seized the cash and abducted Du’s ex-husband along with another Chinese national, spiriting them away to Nakhon Nayok province.
In a chilling escalation, the kidnappers threatened to execute their captives unless a further USDT270,000 (roughly 9 million baht) was transferred to them. After receiving the additional funds, the gang released their victims on Nawamin 100 Road in Bangkok on Sunday.
Following the crime, Liu and Du attempted to flee, first to Pattaya and then towards Cambodia via Suvarnabhumi Airport. However, their escape was thwarted when Liu was apprehended at the airport on Monday night, moments before boarding a flight to Phnom Penh. Du was subsequently arrested at the gang’s rented hideout, where police uncovered incriminating evidence including plastic handcuffs and clothing used in the kidnapping.
Police Major General Nopasilp noted that four other suspects managed to escape to Cambodia through Chanthaburi province. He also revealed that authorities are scrutinising the victims’ property company, particularly its involvement in cryptocurrency exchange services and funding sources.
In an intriguing twist, Immigration Police Division 2 reported that Liu was travelling on a Cedeao passport, also known as an Ecowas passport, typically issued to citizens of West African nations. This detail has raised questions about the suspect’s true identity and potential international connections.
The victims were identified as Xie Chuanqi and Xie Chuanfa, with the latter believed to be Du’s former husband.
