Picture courtesy of Matichon Online

 

Police in Bangkok have captured Carlos Laposo, a notorious Portuguese scammer, linked to almost 19 billion baht in crypto and credit card fraud. The arrest occurred in a popular shopping mall following a global manhunt.

 

On 3 October, Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanumart Boonyalak commanded the operation to capture Laposo. He was wanted in multiple countries across Europe and Asia. Authorities were tipped off by international journalists about his presence in Thailand. This was Laposo's first appearance in two years, known for his infamous scams.

 

The team identified him using biometric technology, confirming his identity as Carlos Laposo, aged 39, from Lisbon. He arrived in Thailand as a tourist in 2023 but soon committed Bitcoin fraud worth over one million baht in Bangkok. Although an initial arrest warrant was withdrawn, Laposo disappeared into southern Thailand, evading immigration systems for nearly two years.

 

On 2 October, a Portuguese tourist spotted Laposo in downtown Bangkok, prompting police to check CCTV footage. Surveillance led them to a renowned department store on Rama I Road. More than 10 officers discreetly searched for him, eventually locating the suspect making a tense phone call. Upon inspection, his passport showed an expired visa from 2023.

 

Coordination with Interpol revealed Laposo's extensive criminal record in Portugal and Europe. He fled to the Philippines before landing in Thailand. His fraudulent schemes included crypto investment scams and credit card fraud, amassing 500 million euros (19 billion baht) in Swiss bank accounts. He faces deportation to Portugal following legal proceedings in Thailand.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Carlos Laposo was arrested in Bangkok, linked to 19 billion baht fraud.
• A global manhunt ended with his capture at a local shopping centre.
• He is awaiting deportation to Portugal after facing Thai authorities.

Related Stories:

 

German Man Held Over $1.1M Crypto Scam

Retired Aussie Officer Loses 40 Million Baht in Phuket Crypto Scam

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Matichon Online 2025-10-03

 

 

On 10/3/2025 at 10:28 AM, webfact said:

criminal record in Portugal and Europe

He has no criminal record, he is in court, and wasn't formally sentenced, as the case is stayed as he is in contempt of court. 

 

 

On 10/3/2025 at 10:28 AM, webfact said:

Authorities were tipped off by international journalists about his presence in Thailand.

Nuff said.

"Spotted by a Portuguese tourist"

Hmmmmm. 

 

 

In thiese days of latest technology how do guys like this keep getting away with these Crypto scams should be easy to detect and arrest jailed then deported 

€500 million, now that's a bit of change!

Maybe he can claim that he was swindled out of this money when he bought some land to build a house for his ex-bargirl wife, but she sold it and disappeared with the money.

........known for his infamous scams........

 

That one must have slipped past me...........🤔

 

47 minutes ago, Iron Tongue said:

€500 million, now that's a bit of change!

Maybe he can claim that he was swindled out of this money when he bought some land to build a house for his ex-bargirl wife, but she sold it and disappeared with the money.

The money is in swiss banks, wonder if that will ever get released to the owners, not for years I would say.

I just wonder why the police bother with someone who has clearly scammed so much money from others. Just drop him into the nearest canal and save on the prison costs...

It boggles the mind, to consider the number of people who fall for these scams. Someone calls you, or contacts you online, and you send them money? Someone you have never met? Someone you have not researched? What gives? Where are the survival instincts? Some people absolutely refuse to work for a living, and they just spend their days preying on society, and sucking the blood of victims who just don't know any better. 

 

A lot of people fall for these scams via Facebook and other forms of social media. And it is a strong indication of just how bent, warped and misguided contemporary culture and society is, that someone can be considered an idol or celebrity just because they have alot of followers on Tik tok, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. 

 

Personally, I consider social media to be the most corrosive and degenerate force in culture today, and they can be downright dangerous, on multiple levels. 

Hopefully he'll get a long stay at the Bangkok Hilton... then deported to face the music again where he's still wanted. Scammers and people who defraud folks out of life savings are pond scum and should pay for their deciet and misdeeds.

Is the guy in the introduction  photo, him? The one with the shorts texting? He looks like, if it's him,  a man with no worries yet Carlos Laposo, a notorious Portuguese scammer, linked to almost 19 billion baht in crypto and credit card fraud, is in really heavy, heavy deep sh.t!.🤪

The last few days I’ve read a few different articles here about indoor pool it’s amazing that Thailand is still looking for the Red Bull kid surprised they don’t just put a red notice out for him and then pick them up I forgot too many people have already received their brown envelopes it wouldn’t look good I’ll come back once the time is statues of limitation run out TIT

wow, that was a big prize for sure.

 

They got the tipoff from a Portuguese journalist on vacation in Thailand, who recognised Carlos Laposo, Imagine that luck!!! F....

I read also "The Thai immigration police managed to confirm the Portuguese man’s identity, using technology and a biometric database."

 

Now a days it is harder and harder to get away from facial recognition, and now with new AI tools, it's going to allow the police to catch a lot criminals, except for the really smart ones.

 

I could have felt for a large scam recently, practiced some caution and delay, and saved myself. I cannot imagine loosing large amount of money so easily, a lady from HR (with 50K/month salary) lost her 1M baht savings to the OMG ICO back in the days. she wanted to suicide, luckily she didnt.

 

people who fall for those scams, sometimes they are just innocent people and not that smart. they are just victims of their own kindness. 

On 10/4/2025 at 6:37 AM, Drumbuie said:

"Spotted by a Portuguese tourist"

 

A snitch?

1 hour ago, watchcat said:

 

A snitch?

Let’s hope so, more are needed.