BANGKOK — Two Liberian nationals have been arrested for allegedly defrauding a Thai man in a sophisticated gold purchase scheme involving counterfeit US currency worth $90,000.
Thong Lo Police announced the arrest of Mr. Youssouf, 50, and Mr. Solomon, 32, both Liberian citizens, on the evening of January 4 near Udom Suk Road in Bangkok’s Bang Na district.
The suspects were part of an elaborate scam that began with a Facebook contact posing as “Richard,” who offered to sell gold at below-market prices. The victim agreed to purchase two kilograms of gold and met with the suspects in Bangkok’s Khlong Toei district.
During the transaction, the victim brought $90,000 in cash, stored in a Kasikorn Bank paper bag. The suspects allegedly used a distraction technique involving a video call from “Richard” to switch the victim’s genuine currency with counterfeit bills while examining what appeared to be authentic gold.
According to police reports, the suspects then excused themselves, claiming they needed to retrieve their passports, but never returned. The victim discovered the fraud when attempting to exchange the bills at Siam Commercial Bank, where they were confirmed to be counterfeit.
Both suspects have confessed to the crime, stating they deposited some of the money in the Pratunam area for international transfer before spending one night in a hotel and separating to their respective residences.
Police have charged both men with theft and believe three additional suspects may be involved in what appears to be an organized criminal operation. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to identify other potential members of the network.
The suspects have claimed they will gradually return the money to the Thai victim. Law enforcement officials continue to expand their investigation into what they believe may be a broader criminal enterprise.
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