Iranian duo arrested for night theft in Bangkok
Two Iranian nationals were arrested on charges of theft at night after being caught red-handed by Thonglor Police in Bangkok yesterday evening, October 17.
Police officers, led by Witawat Chinkam, the Metropolitan Police Bureau Division 5 commander, and Pansa Amarapithak, the Thonglor Police Station superintendent, conducted the operation following multiple reports from tourists.
These tourists had reported incidents where foreign individuals approached them, engaged in conversation, and then stole their money when they were distracted. The incidents occurred around the Asoke intersection and along Sukhumvit Road between Soi 21 and 35.
Police, acting on these reports, decided to set up a covert operation to catch the suspects in the act. Undercover officers positioned themselves at the entrance of Sukhumvit Soi 33 on Wednesday evening, October 16.
Around 8.30pm, they observed 51 year old Mirazim Firouzan and 47 year old Afsaneh Rashidinia approaching a tourist, Messhari Adel Kharraz, and engaging him in conversation.
“Firouzan took Kharraz’s wallet and inspected its contents while Rashidinia kept Kharraz distracted with the conversation,” an officer on the scene reported.
The officers noticed Firouzan subtly removing something from Kharraz’s wallet before handing it back.
Believing they had caught the suspects in the act, the officers moved in and identified themselves as police. They asked Kharraz to check his wallet, and it was confirmed that a Saudi Arabian banknote worth 500 riyals was missing.
At that moment, Firouzan and Rashidinia attempted to flee but were stopped by the police. Firouzan then tried to dispose of the stolen banknote by dropping it on the ground, but this was noticed by the officers.
The banknote was recovered and identified by Kharraz as his. Further checks revealed that the pair had a history of similar offences in the Bang Phli area of Samut Prakan province.
The suspects were charged with theft at night. They were taken to the Thonglor Police Station for further legal proceedings, reported KhaoSod.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Pattaya News reports on Thonglor police apprehending two Iranian suspects for repeated theft in Bangkok, highlighting their method of befriending tourists before stealing cash, emphasizing a history of professional theft and CCTV tracing. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news.
How do undercover operations like the one in Bangkok help curb theft in tourist areas?
They catch criminals in the act, deterring future crimes and ensuring tourist safety.
Why might thieves target tourists, especially in bustling areas like Sukhumvit Road?
Tourists are often distracted and unfamiliar with the area, making them easier targets.
What if the police hadn’t intervened during the theft attempt in Bangkok?
The suspects might have continued their theft spree, causing more distress for tourists.
How can tourists protect themselves from similar thefts while travelling in foreign countries?
Stay vigilant, avoid distractions, and keep valuables secure and out of sight.
What motivates repeat offenders like Firouzan and Rashidinia to continue their criminal activities despite previous arrests?
Potential financial gain and possibly lenient penalties may encourage continued criminal behaviour.
