3 Colombians arrested in Nong Khai for luxury home thefts
Immigration officers in Nong Khai province arrested three Colombians suspected of theft from luxury homes in Pathum Thani. The arrests occurred yesterday, April 7, at 10.30am as the suspects were preparing to flee the country.
The suspects were identified as 46 year old Nelson Andres Malo Rojas, 64 year old Raul Ferney, and 65 year old Luis Guillermo.
They were found in possession of numerous items, including passports, travel bags, Thai banknotes, commemorative Thai banknotes, watches, amulets, and various gold items such as rings and necklaces. The arrests were made under a warrant issued by the Pathum Thani Provincial Court for theft.
The deputy superintendent of Nong Khai Immigration stated that they received a tip-off from Pathum Thani police regarding foreign nationals suspected of stealing from a housing estate in Pathum Thani on Saturday, April 5. There were concerns that the suspects might attempt to escape via the Nong Khai border.
Consequently, an investigation was launched, and officers located foreign nationals matching the description. The suspects were seen hiring a tuk tuk from the Nong Khai bus station to Ban Jommanee in the Nong Khai municipality.
Officers followed closely and intercepted the suspects as they disembarked and entered a local shop to purchase drinks.
Initial checks of their passports revealed entry stamps into Thailand on March 12 at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, followed by stamps in Vientiane, Laos, on March 20, with no subsequent entries or exits recorded. This led to their arrest for illegal entry.
Upon inspecting their luggage, police found a large number of concealed stolen items. Coordination with Pathum Thani police confirmed that these items matched those reported stolen by victims. Consequently, the three individuals were detained on theft charges.
The investigation revealed that the suspects operated during the day by renting cars to identify unoccupied luxury homes, from which they stole valuables. They then exited the country through natural routes and returned later to commit further thefts, evading capture.
It is believed that they had planned to escape with assistance from individuals facilitating illegal border crossings via boat across the Mekong River. Police continue their investigation to identify additional accomplices, reported KhaoSod.
Officials have also advised residents planning to travel or return home during the Songkran holiday to ensure their homes are secured and valuables are protected to prevent becoming victims of theft.
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