THAI police are following up on the international hunt for a Thai woman and her Singaporean husband for whom Interpol has issued a red notice after 180 victims of their alleged luxury bags and watches fraud with losses totalling over 800 million baht had filed complaints with Singaporean police, Naewna newspaper said today (July 21).
National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Suwat Chaengyodsuk has told all police units to coordinate with relevant agencies both within the country and overseas in chasing and arresting the two suspects for prosecution, Pol. Col. Krishna Pattanacharoen, deputy police spokesman said.
Pol. Gen. Suwat is concerned about the presentation of news on this case on social media as it might lead to confusion and misunderstanding and urged the public to only follow official reports.
The two suspects had escaped while released on bail as the authorities were still investigating the case, he added.
Although Interpol has issued a red notice for their arrest as requested by the Singaporean authorities there had been no coordination with the Thai police on this case so far, he said, adding the Thai police was ready to immediately provide information to Singaporean authorities.
According to The Straits Times, Singaporean police said at least 180 reports had been lodged since June against the couple who allegedly failed to deliver luxury goods to customers.
The Straits Times understands the undelivered items, which are mostly watches, are worth at least $32m (around 846 million baht).
In response to ST’s queries, a police spokesman said the reports were made against two companies, Tradenation and Tradeluxury.
He added: “The complainants alleged that they made advance payments for luxury watches or luxury bags to the companies, which failed to deliver them.”
The police arrested a 26-year-old Singaporean man on June 27 for his suspected involvement in cheating offences.
His passport was impounded and he was released on bail the next day, pending the completion of investigations, said the police.
His wife, 27, was also assisting the police with investigations and surrendered her passport to the police on June 30. The couple subsequently became uncontactable.
The police said they arrested a 40-year-old Malaysian man last Wednesday who had allegedly helped the couple in leaving Singapore on July 4.
The man was charged last Friday (July 15) with abetting another person to depart Singapore illegally.
Those convicted of cheating can be jailed for up to 10 years in Singapore.
CAPTION:
Police complaints have been filed against the couple over alleged undelivered luxury goods, mostly watches, worth at least $32 million (around 846 million baht). The Thai headline says, “Hunted by Singaporean police.” Photo: Sanook.com
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