Luxury village theft ring busted, assets worth 5 million baht seized
Four foreign nationals from Colombia and Peru were apprehended for orchestrating a theft ring targeting luxury villages without security guards, stealing assets worth 5 million baht. Police suspect an organised operation with possible accomplices behind the scenes.
The arrest took place at 7pm yesterday, April 8 at the Mueang Pathum Thani Police Station. Police Lieutenant General Surapol Prembutra, Police Major General Yuthana Jonkhun, Police Colonel Harit Kamjumpon, and Police Colonel Wiwat Asawawiboon, along with the investigative team, announced the capture of four suspects: 64 year old Raul Ferney Nino Quitian, 46 year old Nelson Andes Malo Rojas, 65 year old Luis Guillermo Castillo Romero, all Colombian nationals, and 29 year old Sandro Miranda Pomalia from Peru.
Seized during the arrest were a bronze Toyota Vios with the registration plate 8กศ-5901 Bangkok, a safe, a woman’s handbag, watches, gold jewellery, mobile phones, and various valuables, totalling over 100 items valued at more than 5 million baht (US$143,510). The suspects were apprehended while attempting to flee to Laos via Nong Khai province and charged with joint theft.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Surapol disclosed that on April 6 at around 8pm, the Mueang Pathum Thani Police Station received a report from Duangdao Lertdee, a Pathum Thani resident. She reported a burglary at her home, with a safe and valuables such as gold necklaces, diamond rings, watches, and religious amulets, all valued at approximately 5 million baht, stolen.
CCTV footage revealed the culprits to be four foreign men driving a bronze Toyota with the plate 8กศ-5901 Bangkok. They parked in front of the house, scaled the fence, pried open a back window, and stole the safe and valuables. Police tracked and arrested them in Nong Khai as they tried to escape to Laos.
Investigations revealed that the suspects rented a house in Bangkok’s Lat Krabang district and hired a car to commit thefts in upscale residential areas lacking security. They drove into housing estates, observed residents leaving, parked, and rang the doorbell to ensure no one was home before committing the theft.
Additional information indicated that the Peruvian suspect entered Thailand first and later met the three Colombians, who had entered the country via Laos. They met on Khao San Road and collaborated in committing thefts at various locations.
Police believe this is part of a larger organised foreign ring with more accomplices. Interpreters have been engaged to conduct detailed, separate interrogations of the suspects to identify others involved.
Duangdao, the victim, recounted leaving with her family for dinner and returning around 8pm to find her home ransacked. The thieves had stolen a 40 kilogrammes safe and other valuables totalling over 5 million baht. She immediately contacted Police Colonel Wiwat Asawawiboon. CCTV footage showed the thieves completed their crime in under 20 minutes, reported KhaoSod.
Duangdao expressed gratitude for the swift action of the Mueang Pathum Thani police, acknowledging the recovery of some gold jewellery and praising the effective coordination and rapid response of the officers involved in apprehending the foreign gang.
Latest Thailand News
