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

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Firefighters Deny Involvement as ฿10 Million Goes Missing After House Fire

File picture of the fire station.

 

Firefighters in Nonthaburi have been summoned for questioning after a house fire at a Royal Irrigation Department employee’s residence led to allegations of missing cash amounting to ฿10 million. The owner, Ms. Nittaya, claimed the money was destroyed in the blaze. However, police later discovered ฿6.5 million hidden in her car, raising further suspicions about the source of the funds.

 

According to Ms. Nittaya, the money belonged to a businessman named Mr. First, who allegedly transferred large sums to her and her family. She claimed they withdrew up to ฿3 million per day in cash, earning a commission of ฿10,000 per transaction.

 

Nonthaburi Mayor Samanuek Thanadechakul confirmed that the fire broke out on 23 February at around 14:00 in a government housing unit in Pak Kret. Firefighters arrived within 10 minutes and found local residents already attempting to extinguish the flames. The fire was concentrated in the bedroom, with smoke rising from the mattress.

 

During the operation, firefighters rescued four dogs from the house. Once the fire was under control, the homeowner was allowed to inspect the property. It was at this point that she claimed the money had disappeared.

 

Fire department personnel strongly denied any wrongdoing. “If there had been ฿10 million in cash, it would have left some trace, even if burned,” said Nitirat Laorattanaari, the rescue team leader. “We found only four partially burned 1,000-baht banknotes and we certainly did not take any money”

 

The firefighters immediately alerted the police at Rattanathibet Police Station to investigate. Officers later searched Ms. Nittaya’s vehicle and discovered ฿6.5 million in cash. She was taken in for questioning regarding the source of the money.

 

Police Superintendent Pol. Col. Phisut Chansuwan stated that there were multiple inconsistencies in the case. Investigators are still determining whether the fire was accidental or intentional. Electrical outlets and extension cords were found near the fire’s point of origin, but forensic teams are examining whether the blaze started due to an electrical fault or other causes.

 

Authorities are also scrutinising the financial transactions linked to the missing money. With no CCTV cameras in the vicinity, investigators are relying on witness statements and forensic evidence to piece together the events.

 

At present, no criminal charges related to money laundering have been filed, as the legitimacy of the funds is still being verified. However, police have expressed concerns over conflicting statements provided to the media.

 

Despite the controversy, the Nonthaburi fire brigade remains committed to its duty. “Some of our firefighters feel demoralised by the accusations,” said Nitirat. “But we will continue to serve the public with integrity.”

 

-- 2025-02-27