01 Nov 2024 | 09:51 AM UTC
Thailand: Authorities arrest seven suspects involved in unlawful detention of Vanuatu and Chinese nationals in Samut Prakan Province, as of Nov. 1
Police arrest seven suspects in unlawful detention of Vanuatu and Chinese nationals in Samut Prakan Province, Thailand, as of Nov. 1.
Authorities have arrested seven suspects allegedly involved in the extortion and unlawful detention of a Vanuatu national, his wife, a Chinese national, their housekeeper, and friend, in Bang Phli Yai, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan Province, as of Nov. 1. According to local media sources, all of the victims are Chinese, although their citizenship and status of residency are unavailable. The perpetrators, six of whom are police officers, reportedly demanded to search the couple's resident on Nov. 17, citing allegations of involvement in illegal employment and a passport forgery case. The suspects confiscated all mobile devices and brought the victims to a government building when they refused to pay a bribe to drop the allegations. The extorters eventually released the detainees after the Vanuatu national transferred digital currency to one of the suspects. Two of their accomplices remain at large.
Bang Phli Yai is approximately 10 km (6.2 miles) east of Samut Prakan.
Foreign nationals should always contact their diplomatic mission in addition to security forces when facing security concerns.
Corruption poses a moderate risk for both local and foreign entities, despite an ongoing crackdown on allegedly corrupt officials. It is not uncommon for law enforcement officials to request bribes or be involved in criminal extortion. Some police officers as well as retired personnel have formed alliances with criminals to stage kidnappings targeting foreigners as well as locals.
