Mexican, Malaysian suspects named in Phuket gem heist

PHUKET: Phuket City Police have released the names of two suspects arrested in connection with the theft of 30 million baht of jewelry, diamonds and other gems from a parked car in Phuket yesterday morning.

Mexican national Ruben Dario Zapata Gonzalez and Malaysian national Rosulina Binti Abu Bakar were presented at Phuket City Police Station at 10am today.

Also present at the police station was Thongsak Chintakanroek, the man whose jewelry and precious stones they allegedly stole.

The two suspects were arrested in Trang province last night after being stopped by Highway Police, who searched the car they were travelling in.

Officers found the missing loot hidden in two separate bags inside the car.

Police this morning presented two arrest warrants issued yesterday by the Phuket Provincial Court naming Mr Gonzales and Ms Abu Bakar for their roles in committing the robbery.

Mr Gonzales and Ms Abu Bakar have each been charged with committing gang-robbery and with committing an act of violence towards property in the process of committing a robbery.

They are currently being held in custody at Phuket City Police Station.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong