Thai immigration police in Chon Buri have arrested a South Korean husband and wife wanted under an Interpol Red Notice in connection with an alleged investment fraud case involving property development and cryptocurrency schemes. The pair are accused of causing losses exceeding 1.7 billion won and were detained while preparing to open a Korean restaurant in Pattaya.
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The arrests took place at 5pm on 30 May 2026 following an operation led by Pol Col Naphatphong Khositsuriyamanee, Superintendent of Chon Buri Immigration, along with senior immigration officers. Investigators tracked the suspects to a Korean restaurant on Pattaya Third Road, where they were found supervising staff as work continued ahead of the business opening.
The suspects were identified as 72-year-old Wi Sang Yoo and 52-year-old Kyeong Ha Jin, both South Korean nationals. Officers presented the arrest warrant and escorted the pair to Chon Buri Immigration for further questioning.
According to the warrant, the couple allegedly acted as executives of a company in South Korea and jointly persuaded members of the public to invest in property development projects and digital currencies. Investors were reportedly promised returns of 2 per cent every five days, leading to substantial financial losses for numerous victims.
South Korean authorities subsequently issued arrest warrants and requested the assistance of Interpol, which circulated a Red Notice seeking the suspects’ detention by member countries. Thai immigration officers were then asked to help locate and apprehend the pair for extradition proceedings.
During initial questioning, both suspects admitted they were the individuals named in the Interpol notice. They claimed the case dated back many years and said they had already reached settlements with affected investors, adding that they were unaware of the reasons for the subsequent arrest warrants.
The couple stated they would return to South Korea to enter the judicial process and contest the allegations through legal channels. Authorities have transferred both suspects to investigators at Nong Prue Police Station for legal proceedings and a court detention request.
Thai authorities are expected to coordinate with relevant agencies on the process of returning the suspects to South Korea, where they will face further legal action in connection with the case.
Pictures courtesy of แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง
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Adapted by ASEAN Now แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง 31 May 2026