Thai police are investigating two audacious thefts that left three Chinese nationals 13 million baht poorer during cryptocurrency transactions in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district. The incidents occurred on Thursday at two different locations around the same time.
First Robbery: Bag Snatched in Exchange Gone Wrong
The first incident unfolded at 3:30 p.m. at a house on Pracharat Bampen 12 Road. A Chinese victim reported to police that two of his compatriots, one identified as Mr. Chen, and a Thai driver, absconded with his bag containing 5 million baht in cash. The money was intended for a cryptocurrency transaction.
The suspects fled in a Toyota Alphard van. Despite the victim’s efforts to pursue them using a motorcycle taxi, they managed to escape.
Investigators later traced the van to a house on Yenjit Road in Bangkok’s Sathon district. The vehicle was registered to Zhenkun Cai. Upon searching the property, police discovered a bag containing the stolen 5 million baht.
Second Robbery: 8 Million Baht Stolen in G Tower Heist
The second heist involved two Chinese men who brought 8 million baht in cash to the G Tower building in the Phra Ram Kao area for a cryptocurrency exchange with four other Chinese nationals.
The transaction was conducted through a middleman, who claimed to facilitate the transfer. However, the group of four took the cash, alleging that they had already transferred the cryptocurrency to the middleman’s account. This account, it turned out, was also linked to Mr. Chen, the suspect from the first case.
The victims insisted they never received the promised digital currency and promptly reported the incident to Huai Khwang police.
Recovery of Funds and Key Suspect’s Escape
Police recovered the stolen 8 million baht from the second robbery but discovered that Mr. Chen had fled Thailand and was believed to be in Macau.
Pol Col Prasopchok Iampinit, chief of Huai Khwang Police Station, stated that Mr. Chen appeared to have orchestrated both incidents, arranging the meetings and facilitating the fraudulent exchanges.
Investigations are ongoing as authorities pursue leads to apprehend Mr. Chen and uncover the full extent of his involvement in the twin heists.
The incidents highlight the risks associated with large cash transactions and unregulated cryptocurrency dealings.
