Authorities have arrested a member of a car theft gang who deceived victims by selling them a truck through online ads. The suspect then followed the victim to their home the next day to steal the vehicle using a duplicate key. The gang was found to be involved in numerous vehicle pawning activities. The Crime Suppression Division of the Bangkok Metropolitan Police is investigating all vehicles involved to determine their legality and plans to apprehend remaining accomplices.
The arrest occurred on September 28, with police officials detailing the capture of 42-year-old Patthanarat “Tun” Sutthumchai. He was apprehended at his residence in Bangkok under an arrest warrant for conspiracy to commit theft using a vehicle to facilitate the crime.
The case began when a victim, looking to purchase a car online, was contacted by a female broker resembling a tomboy, who arranged to sell a Toyota Vigo truck for 300,000 THB. After buying the vehicle, the victim parked it outside their home only to have it stolen the next day. Investigations revealed that the perpetrator who sold the car was part of the same group responsible for the theft, suggesting a premeditated plan involving a spare key.
During questioning, Patthanarat denied any involvement in the theft but admitted to procuring cars for sale to victims. Authorities, however, were skeptical due to his history of buying, selling, and pawning vehicles. They are currently assessing the legality of these transactions and pursuing other suspects involved in the scheme.
Police Major General Teeradet Thamsuthir, head of the Crime Suppression Division, urged vehicle owners looking to sell or pawn their cars to exercise caution and thoroughly vet any contracts to avoid falling victim to scammers or becoming unintentional accomplices. Citizens can report illegal activities through the IDMB Police Facebook page, available 24/7.
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This article was rewritten from a Thairath’s news article.
