Police in Phuket have launched an investigation after a Belarusian couple were allegedly kidnapped for a crypto currency ransom valued at US$900,000 or around 30,000 baht.
Officers at Mueang Police Station are currently questioning 4 Russian suspects suspected of abducting the Belarusian man and woman. However, as the Russians don’t speak English, interpreters have been brought in.
Police were first notified after a foreign national witnessed a man and woman being forcibly dragged into a car outside the O-OH farm shop in the sub-district of Talat Yai at around 10pm on January 31.
The vehicle then took off in the direction of Naka Market and the foreigner returned to the Royal P Hotel and informed an employee. The hotel staffer then called the 191 Emergency Centre hotline.
According to a Khaosod English report, Sinlert Sukhum of Phuket Provincial Police says the authorities believe those behind the kidnapping are Russian nationals who subsequently received a cryptocurrency transfer worth 30 million baht.
It’s understood all 4 suspects deny the abduction, saying the incident was a joke. However, police do not believe them, particularly as the Belarusian victims are refusing to speak. Meanwhile, an injured man has been taken to hospital according to the report.
SOURCE: Khaosod English
