
PATTAYA — Three Turkish nationals are being sought by Pattaya police after allegedly kidnapping and extorting $285,000 in cryptocurrency from a fellow Turkish citizen in a brazen robbery.
The victim, identified as Mr. Masis, 36, reported that the incident occurred in the early hours of January 14 at his condominium in Soi Wat Boon Kanjanaram, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi. The assailants allegedly broke into his room, bound his hands with handcuffs and tied his feet with cable ties before forcing him to transfer cryptocurrency worth approximately 9.9 million baht. The perpetrators also stole his laptop before fleeing the scene.
After the suspects left, Mr. Masis, who was locked inside his fifth-floor apartment in Building 3, desperately crawled and struggled his way down to the ground floor with his hands and feet still bound.

The 34-year-old security guard, known as “Pok,” reported that Mr. Masis appeared extremely distressed and paranoid when he approached for assistance. The guard immediately contacted the police.
Patrol officers and investigators from Pattaya City Police Station responded to the scene. Initial investigations suggest the perpetrators may have been acquaintances of the victim, as the condominium complex maintains strict security measures. Police are currently gathering evidence to pursue legal action against the suspects.
Authorities are reviewing security camera footage from the condominium to identify the suspects. Police have confirmed that all three perpetrators are Turkish nationals and were likely known to Mr. Masis, given the condominium’s strict security protocols. A manhunt is currently underway to locate them.
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