Thai police have arrested a 67-year-old South Korean man accused of leading a property-investment scam that allegedly caused losses of around 1.047 billion baht across 14 related cases. The 67-year-old, identified only as Mr Han, was detained at a house in Hin Lek Fai, Hua Hin district, Prachuap Khiri Khan, on September 8. He faces an arrest warrant issued by the Criminal Court, number 5029/2567, on a charge of jointly committing fraud. Police said Mr Han, described as the leader of the "Korea Black Invest" group, allegedly persuaded fellow South Koreans to invest in land and condominium projects in Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan. The arrest was announced by Pol Lt Gen Natsak Chaowanasai, chief of the Central Investigation Bureau, alongside Pol Maj Gen Phatthanasak Bupphasuwan, Pol Col Chaowai Sanakomol and Pol Col Thanawat Hinyokhin. Arrest at Hua Hin home Investigators said they established that Mr Han was hiding at the Hua Hin property, obtained a search warrant from Hua Hin Provincial Court and carried out the raid. Pol Maj Gen Phatthanasak said the search had been difficult because Mr Han had no recorded history of entering Thailand. This meant police initially had neither a photograph nor physical-description information to use in locating him. During questioning, Mr Han reportedly claimed he entered Malaysia many years ago before later crossing into Thailand through a natural border route. Police said he had lived in Thailand for a long time, has a Thai wife and many local contacts. Knowing he was wanted, he allegedly avoided apps, social media and financial transactions in his name, and held no registration documents in his own name. Police said he confessed to all charges. Investment claims involving land and condos Pol Col Chaowai said the alleged fraud began around 2020. One South Korean victim initially transferred 89 million baht to a company whose authorised director was Mr Han's 57-year-old wife, Nitchita, for a condominium purchase. Mr Han and others then allegedly encouraged the victim to invest a further 89 million baht in land through another company, claiming the investor would hold shares and have control of the firm so it could invest in and hold property. The victim later discovered that not all the money had been used to buy land as claimed, police said. There are currently four related Thai cases, in four case files, with losses exceeding 147 million baht. The investigation also revealed that Mr. Han and the group of suspects were involved in similar cases in several other instances. According to information from the Crime Suppression Division, there are 14 related cases, pending in South Korea. with estimated damages of approximately 1,047 million baht. After Thai proceedings, authorities said action would continue in South Korea, although details there cannot be disclosed because of the country’s personal-data protection laws. Police have frozen 8.4 million baht and found cash held by Mr Han's wife. A money-laundering investigation is continuing. Pictures courtesy of Khaosod Join the discussion? 9 September 2026
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