BANGKOK — Thai police have arrested a 46-year-old South Korean man accused of working with three Thai nationals to kidnap, assault and rob a Chinese man of more than $10,000 in cash and cryptocurrency earlier this month. The suspect, identified only as Lee, denies the charges and claims the victim owed him money.
Lee was taken into custody on Nov. 23 at a condominium on Sukhumvit Soi 24 in Bangkok, more than three weeks after the attack. Investigators from the Metropolitan Police Bureau and Bang Rak Police Station carried out the arrest.
The 35-year-old Chinese victim told police he was waiting for a taxi on Mahaseth Road on Nov. 1 when three men — two Thais and one South Korean — pulled up in a Toyota sedan, punched him and forced him into the vehicle. He said he was taken to an underground parking area at an unknown location, where the group beat him, stole 50,000 baht (about $1,540) from his bag and forced him to transfer 9,375 USDT in digital currency to an account linked to Lee.
The victim said he was released near Saensuk Soi beside Maleenont Tower on Rama IV Road after the transfers.
Police arrested the first suspect, Nattapong, 35, at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Nov. 10. A second suspect, Chanon, 24, was arrested on Nov. 12, followed by Tanaphat, 29, on Nov. 18. Lee was the last to be detained.
Investigators said Chanon and Tanaphat were recruited by Nattapong, who knew Lee. Police said the two younger Thai suspects did not receive any of the stolen money.
All four suspects face charges of robbery using a vehicle, illegal detention, and assault causing physical or mental harm.
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