CHONBURI — A 28-year-old British man has been arrested in Chonburi Province, Thailand, following a joint investigation by Thailand’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) and the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA).
The suspect, identified only as “Mr. Luke,” was apprehended on December 4 at a condominium in Na Kluea, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. The arrest came after the NCA alerted Thai authorities about evidence of child abuse involving a Thai minor.
According to investigators, the victim was a 6-year-old girl whose mother had been in a relationship with the suspect for approximately two years. The mother, identified only as “Ms. B,” age 25, was reportedly shocked upon seeing evidence of the abuse and immediately filed charges against the suspect.
The ATPD conducted their investigation using video evidence provided by the NCA, along with social media information and location verification. The suspect, who has denied all charges, is currently in custody at the Anti-Trafficking Division’s Investigation Sub-Division 2.
In response to this case, Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has issued a warning to Thai women who meet foreign partners through online platforms, specifically cautioning about the risks of pedophilia – a psychiatric disorder characterized by sexual attraction to prepubescent children.
The suspect faces multiple serious charges, including sexual assault of a minor under 13 years of age and rape by use of threats or force against a person unable to resist.
This case highlights ongoing collaboration between international law enforcement agencies in combating crimes against children and the importance of vigilance in protecting minors.
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