Alleged extortionist flown back from US to face charges

PHUKET: An American man, who returned to the United States in 2013 after allegedly extorting a fellow countryman in Phuket, was flown back to Thailand, escorted by Royal Thai Police officers, this morning.

“The suspect, named Shawn Abraham, was handed over to Royal Thai Police to face legal charges in Thailand as per an arrest warrant issued against him on February 13, 2015, which included charges of robbery, extortion, detainment, confinement and threatening another person,” said Lt Col Ason Jiraksa of Kamala Police.

The original complaint was filed on December 14, 2013, by another American national named Antonio Mario Adoniro. Mr Abraham was accused of extorting 30,000 baht and attempting to extort a further US$2 million in cash and belongings.

Col Ason told the Phuket Gazette that by the time the compliant was filed, Mr Abraham had already left Thailand and Kamala Police asked the court to issue an arrest warrant.

“We sent all evidence, as well as the arrest warrant, to the Royal Thai Police and Prosecutor’s Office to contact the relevant US authorities for their cooperation in the matter. They notified us as soon as they arrested him. Royal Thai Police officers flew to the US and transported him back to Phuket via Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok,” confirmed Col Ason.

Mr Abraham was questioned by Kamala Police officers when he was brought to the station a little after 8am.

“He has denied all charges, so we are going to submit the case to court for further processing,” said Col Ason.

Mr Abraham is currently being detained in a cell at Kamala Police Station.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong