Police Bust Car-Rental Scam, Arrest Two Suspects in Cross-Border Scheme

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of The Phuket News

 

A sophisticated car-rental scam has been dismantled following the arrest of two suspects accused of stealing a vehicle and smuggling it abroad. In coordinated operations, officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and Crime Suppression Division (CSD) apprehended Sakthanan in Nonthaburi and Khemanan in Bangkok's Lat Phrao district. Sakthanan faces charges of embezzlement, while Khemanan is charged with joint theft.

 

The investigation was triggered by a car rental company's report of a vehicle that was not returned. Authorities suspect the car was smuggled into a neighbouring country for illicit sale. According to police, Khemanan orchestrated the plan, enlisting Sakthanan as the receiver.

 

The scheme began with an accomplice (referred to as A) renting the vehicle, then passing it to another (B), who removed the vehicle’s licence plates to evade detection and drove it to Tao Poon BTS station, where it was handed over to Sakthanan. The car was then driven to Sa Kaeo province near the border, apparently prepared for illegal export.

 

Officers from multiple jurisdictions, including Chiang Mai and Sa Kaeo Provincial Police, were involved in the operation. Acting on their evidence, Phu Ping Rajanives Police Station investigators obtained an arrest warrant for Sakthanan from the Chiang Mai Provincial Court, leading to his swift arrest.

 

 

 

It was also uncovered that Khemanan was already wanted under a separate warrant issued by Bang Rak Police Station. She was tracked down by Sub-Division 2 of the Crime Suppression Division and taken to Bang Rak for legal proceedings.

 

The operation was led by Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Phuridet, head of the CIB, alongside senior officials Police Major General Witthaya Sriprasertphap and Police Lieutenant Colonel Netiwit Thanasittikun. The police have advised car rental businesses to strengthen their screening procedures due to rising cases of vehicle fraud and smuggling.

 

Authorities are continuing their investigation and anticipate further arrests as the scope of the scheme becomes clearer, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-04-01

 

 

[PMZ]

Good investigation job CIB and RTP, some serial criminals picked up on this one.