20 Koreans Arrested in Thailand for Online Fraud and Kidnapping

Thai authorities have arrested 20 Koreans on charges of operating an online fraud organization and kidnapping their fellow citizens.

According to a report by the Bangkok Post on the 22nd, Thai police raided a luxury villa located in Banglamung, Chonburi Province, on the afternoon of the 21st, rescuing one kidnapped Korean man and apprehending 20 Korean suspects along with one Chinese national on the scene.

When the police stormed the scene, the suspects, who were sitting in front of computers, attempted to evade arrest by jumping from the second floor, but all were apprehended.

Investigative authorities believe they were members of a romance scam ring.

Evidence found at the crime scene and details of the victim rescue

During the search of the villa, a whiteboard installed inside contained phrases in Korean that were used for online scams. This has been secured as evidence that they were systematically carrying out online fraud.

The rescued Korean man is reported to have been forcibly mobilized into online fraudulent activities after being kidnapped by this organization.

Thai police are thoroughly investigating whether the items seized on-site were used in actual crimes and plan to pursue legal action against the arrested suspects.

Image source: Bangkok Post, stock photo for illustrative purposes / gettyimagesbank