Colombian suspect in 70 million baht theft arrested in Bangkok

Thai immigration officers apprehended a wanted Colombian suspect in Bangkok after an extensive joint operation with Malaysian police, who had been investigating a major theft case. The arrest followed a high-profile burglary in Kuala Lumpur, where a group of thieves targeted the residence of a prominent businessman, making off with valuables worth over 70 million baht (US$2 million).

The burglary, which occurred on May 31, prompted swift action from law enforcement agencies in Malaysia. Eight suspects were identified in connection with the heist, and seven were successfully apprehended. However, the mastermind behind the operation evaded capture and crossed the border into Thailand illegally. Known initially as Lopez, a 30 year old Guatemalan national, the suspect fled to Songkhla before heading to Bangkok.

Thai police, acting on intelligence, tracked Lopez to a luxury hotel in the Sukhumvit area of Khlong Toei. Officers arrested him without incident. During interrogation, the suspect revealed his true identity as Miguel, a 39 year old Colombian national. It was found that there was no record of his legal entry into Thailand.

Miguel remained tight-lipped about his accomplices and the specific details of his criminal activities. Further investigation uncovered his history of criminal involvement. In 2010, he and his associates were part of a notorious gang of serial thieves, and his name had been flagged in the Thailand Immigration Bureau’s watch list, reported The Pattaya News.

Miguel now faces charges related to illegal entry into Thailand. Police are preparing for his extradition to Malaysia, where he will be tried for his role in the multimillion-baht heist.

In related news, three Colombians were arrested in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region province of Pathum Thani province on charges of burglary in Samut Prakan and surrounding regions. While taking them into custody, police seized a Toyota Vios car, a couple of Prachuap Khiri Khan licence plates, burglary tools, beanie hats, and a diverse range of banknotes, including 32,700 baht.