Thai police ask Canadian court not to grant bail to Jimi Sandhu murder suspect

Police in Thailand are asking a Canadian court to refuse a bail application for a man wanted for murder on the southern island of Phuket. Canadian national Matthew Dupre is 1 of 2 suspects wanted for the murder of Indian gang member Jimi Singh Sandhu, who was gunned down outside his Rawai villa on February 4.

Dupre and his alleged accomplice, Gene Karl Lahrkamp, subsequently fled Thailand, with Dupre arrested in Edmonton, Alberta, on February 20. He is currently in detention, while the Alberta court considers an extradition request from the Thai authorities. Thailand’s Office of the Attorney-General has confirmed that an extradition request is being filed with the Canadian authorities.

According to a Bangkok Post report, Jirabhop Bhuridej from the Central Investigation Bureau, says investigators are also filing a petition with the Canadian court to refuse Dupre’s bail application. Thai police say they want the suspect extradited to stand trial in the kingdom. A Bangkok Post source has confirmed that the case has been transferred to the Crime Suppression Division by order of the Royal Thai Police. It’s understood Thai authorities are concerned that if the Canadian court grants bail, the suspect will flee, undermining efforts by police to secure his extradition.

“The crime showed links to organised crime syndicates and the suspects had planned their escape well. They fled to Europe before travelling to Canada. War weapons also were used in the attack.”

Meanwhile, Wirachan Khunchaikaew from the CSD says documents requesting Dupre’s extradition are on their way to Canada. The Thai authorities hope the extradition will take place in April.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post