An Australian man, wanted in multiple sexual assault and rape cases in his come country, has been arrested on the Thai gulf island of Koh Pha Ngan.
The authorities initially went looking for the 62 year old, who has been named only as Mr Helio, as he had overstayed his visa. Immigration records show he arrived on a visa-exempt entry on June 16, with his permission to remain in the kingdom expiring on July 15.
According to a Khaosod English report, Helio then applied for a 30 day extension, which expired on August 14. However, there was no record of him leaving the country before that date. Officers from Surat Thani Immigration then tracked him down to a resort on Koh Pha Ngan.
He was arrested yesterday on charges of overstaying his visa, telling arresting officers that he’d been planning to apply for a retirement visa. However, when officers looked into his criminal history, they discovered far more serious offences.
Helio is wanted in two 2 rape cases and 13 cases of sexual assault in Australia. On discovering a Blue Interpol Notice had been issued for the suspect, the Thai authorities contacted the Australian Federal Police and were told that an arrest warrant had been issued for Helio, who is wanted for sex crimes dating back to 2017.
The Australian was initially taken to Koh Pha Ngan Police Station to be charged with overstaying his visa. The Thai authorities will then coordinate with their Australian counterparts to arrange his extradition.
SOURCE: Khaosod English
