Suspicious Fire: Woman Claims 10 million in Cash Burned, Police Discover 6.5 million in Car

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from responders.

 

Police in Nonthaburi have seized 6.5 million baht in cash hidden in a vehicle, following a woman’s report that a fire at her home destroyed 10 million baht in cash. The case has raised multiple suspicions regarding the origin of the money and possible financial crimes.

 

At 17:00 on 23 February, Ms. Nittaya, 27, from Samut Prakan province, reported to Rattanathibet Police Station that a fire had broken out at her residence in Tha Sai, Mueang District. The house, a two-storey government residence for irrigation department staff, was quickly extinguished by neighbours and municipal firefighters.

 

After the fire was put out, Ms. Nittaya claimed that 10 million baht in cash, which she had kept under her bed, had been completely destroyed. However, when police examined the burnt room, they found no remains of burned banknotes, leading to suspicions about the claim.

 

During questioning, Ms. Nittaya admitted to having additional cash stored in her brown Mitsubishi Pajero, parked near the house. Upon inspection, officers discovered:

 

• 5.5 million baht in 1,000-baht banknotes inside a black fabric bag

• 1 million baht in 1,000-baht notes inside a brown envelope

 

Police immediately seized the cash to investigate its origin.

 

Further questioning revealed that Ms. Nittaya had been handling large sums of money through multiple bank accounts. She claimed the money belonged to a woman known only as “Dear,” who had asked to use accounts belonging to Ms. Nittaya and her family, including her husband, father-in-law, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law.

 

Over time, 20.5 million baht was deposited across ten accounts, with daily withdrawals of 3 million baht, spread across six different accounts at various shopping malls. Ms. Nittaya was reportedly paid 10,000 baht per transaction for withdrawing and delivering the cash.

 

She later admitted that another woman, known only as “First,” was involved in transferring the funds. Police are now investigating whether the money is linked to illegal activities.

 

Authorities also discovered that Ms. Nittaya had lost 6 million baht through online gambling, further raising concerns about the legality of the funds.

 

Rattanathibet Police Chief Pol. Col. Phisut Jantrasuwan confirmed that investigators are now examining all bank accounts and financial transactions involved. The police are also working with forensic experts to determine whether the house fire was accidental or deliberately set to cover up financial crimes.

 

“At this stage, we cannot confirm the source of the money or whether it is linked to any illegal business. A full investigation is underway to verify its legitimacy,” Col. Phisut stated.

 

Authorities have seized the cash and are conducting forensic tests at the fire scene while tracing all financial transactions linked to the case.

 

-- 2025-02-25