BANGKOK — Police in Bangkok arrested two men Tuesday for allegedly posing as elite undercover officers to kidnap a Chinese national and demand a $63,300 ransom.
Huai Khwang investigators apprehended Watcharapon Pimpila, 24, and Japhing Sae-Liu, 23, during a raid at a mansion in the Pracha Rat Bamphen area. Officers seized a collection of tactical gear used in the alleged scheme, including a realistic BB handgun with gas magazines, a holster, handcuffs, and an electric stun gun.
The arrests followed a report that a group of men identifying themselves as Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) officers had abducted a 25-year-old Chinese man, identified only as Mr. Chenglong, from his residence in Samut Prakan province on Sunday night.
According to police, the suspects claimed to be conducting an anti-scam operation to intimidate the victim. Fearing for his safety after seeing what appeared to be a firearm, Chenglong was taken to a room in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district. The kidnappers then forced him to contact his brother to demand a ransom of $63,300. The victim’s brother reportedly transferred an initial $12,400 before seeking help from a Thai associate, who alerted authorities.
Investigators tracked the victim to the mansion using CCTV footage, which showed Chenglong entering the lobby early Monday morning. Police moved in shortly after, finding Chenglong held in a room with Japhing.
Japhing, a 23-year-old from the highlands of Chiang Mai who speaks fluent Thai, allegedly confessed to his involvement and implicated Watcharapon, who was staying in a nearby room. Watcharapon subsequently admitted to his role in the abduction, police said.
Watcharapon faces multiple charges, including kidnapping for ransom, illegal detention, and impersonating a government official. Japhing has been charged with kidnapping for ransom and illegal detention. Both suspects are being held at Huai Khwang Police Station as the investigation continues to determine if other accomplices were involved.
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