Authorities have issued a warrant for the arrest of a police officer, Lt. Col. Isurya Da Thong, accused of being the ringleader in a gang involved in the theft of machinery. This announcement followed the confessions of four suspects who implicated him as the mastermind behind the thefts of high-value machinery worth over 10 million baht from a recycling factory in Chonburi province.
National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanpech has ordered the reassignment of Lt. Col. Isurya to the Chonburi Provincial Police Operations Center and initiated an internal investigation against him. If evidence of misconduct is found, severe disciplinary actions will be taken, including potential criminal charges.
Following the orders, Pol. Gen. Kittirat requested details from local provincial commanders about Lt. Col. Isurya’s past activities, emphasizing the importance of swiftly completing the investigation within three days.
During the investigation, other suspects were interrogated, revealing further connections to a larger network involved in similar crimes. Law enforcement has since apprehended five additional individuals linked directly to Lt. Col. Isurya, who directed criminal activities including the theft of large transformers.
The police investigation revealed the gang utilized specific vehicles for the thefts, and evidence indicates that over 100 kilograms of copper wire stolen from the factory was sold for 50,000 baht, with Lt. Col. Isurya distributing part of the proceeds to his accomplices.
The suspects have provided testimonies implicating Lt. Col. Isurya in orchestrating the thefts, maintaining communication through mobile devices. Currently, they are withholding his arrest but hope he will surrender voluntarily to clear his name.
On the evening of October 13, a Pattaya court approved the arrest warrant for Lt. Col. Isurya on charges related to robbery and receiving stolen property, amidst ongoing efforts from investigators to substantiate the case against him thoroughly.
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