Rented and dented: Thai cops put brakes on cross-border car scam
A devious car-rental scam has been brought to a screeching halt after police arrested two suspects accused of stealing a vehicle and smuggling it across the border for sale.
In a dramatic takedown, officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and Crime Suppression Division (CSD) nabbed Sakthanan in front of a house in Soi Khlong Thanon, Nonthaburi, and Khemanan at a condominium in Bangkok’s Lat Phrao district. Both are now facing serious charges: Sakthanan for embezzlement and Khemanan for joint theft.
The arrests followed a complaint from a car rental company, which reported that a rented vehicle was never returned. Investigators believe the car was smuggled into a neighbouring country for illegal sale.
According to police, Khemanan orchestrated the scheme by inviting Sakthanan to act as the receiver of the rented vehicle. An unnamed man (referred to as A) rented the car from the company and later passed it to another man (referred to as B), who removed the licence plates to avoid detection and drove the vehicle to Tao Poon BTS station, where it was handed over to Sakthanan.
The vehicle was then driven to Sa Kaeo province, near the border, where police suspect it was being readied for illegal export.
The operation involved officers from multiple jurisdictions, including the Chiang Mai and Sa Kaeo Provincial Police. Based on their findings, investigators from Phu Ping Rajanives Police Station secured an arrest warrant for Sakthanan from the Chiang Mai Provincial Court. He was promptly arrested.
Meanwhile, it was discovered that Khemanan was already wanted under a separate arrest warrant issued by the Bang Rak Police Station. That same day, officers from Sub-Division 2 of the Crime Suppression Division tracked her down and escorted her to Bang Rak for legal proceedings.
The operation was led under the command of Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Phuridet, head of the CIB, along with senior officials Police Major General Witthaya Sriprasertphap and Police Lieutenant Colonel Netiwit Thanasittikun.
Police have warned car rental businesses to tighten their screening processes as cases of vehicle fraud and cross-border smuggling continue to rise, reported The Phuket News.
Officers say further arrests may follow as the investigation expands.
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