19-7-2024 (BANGKOK) Thai authorities have officially handed over 30 of 35 luxury vehicles, stolen from the United Kingdom, to the British Embassy. This marks a crucial step in resolving a complex criminal investigation that began in 2016.
The formal handover ceremony, which took place on Friday, was attended by high-ranking officials from both countries. Minister of Justice Pol Colonel Thawee Sodsong led the Thai delegation, accompanied by representatives from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the Office of the Attorney-General. The UK was represented by Ambassador Mark Gooding and members of the National Crime Agency.
The case, which has captivated both law enforcement agencies and the public, involves a sophisticated car theft operation that targeted high-end vehicles in the UK. The modus operandi of the criminals was particularly cunning: they would rent luxury cars from various British companies, steal them, and then export them as new vehicles. The stolen automobiles were flown from London’s Heathrow Airport to Singapore before being shipped to Thailand.
The DSI’s investigation, which began seven years ago, uncovered a staggering number of improperly imported vehicles – over 1,400 – that had evaded taxation. Of these, 35 were definitively identified as stolen from the UK, having been imported by more than ten different companies.
Thai officials acknowledged the complexity of the case, given that the initial crimes were committed outside their jurisdiction. This necessitated close cooperation with the Office of the Attorney-General to navigate the legal intricacies. Investigators worked tirelessly to expedite the case, aiming to return the seized vehicles in the best possible condition.
The case has had far-reaching implications for unsuspecting buyers in Thailand who purchased these stolen vehicles. Thai authorities have advised these individuals to pursue legal action against the selling companies, emphasising that stolen property must be returned to its rightful owners under the law.
In a related development, two victims who unknowingly bought stolen UK cars recently won a landmark court case. The ruling, delivered in early July, ordered the selling companies to provide full refunds, setting a precedent for other affected buyers to seek similar legal recourse.
The luxury car saga in Thailand extends beyond the UK theft case. In separate incidents involving improperly imported high-end vehicles, over 100 cars were initially returned to their Thai owners for use, with a prohibition on resale. However, a subsequent court order mandated the confiscation of these vehicles and their return to investigators.
In a noteworthy turn of events, one affected owner successfully petitioned the court for leniency, claiming to be an unknowing victim. The court’s decision to return the car while the DSI retained the vehicle registration documents has established a precedent that may alleviate hardship for other owners in similar situations.
