PUBLISHED : 10 Aug 2023 at 04:00
Well-known actor Mario Maurer yesterday reported to the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) to answer questions over his alleged links to a fake car registration plate gang.
His appearance follows the arrest of two alleged ringleaders of the gang last week after the Land Transport Department claimed the pair managed to acquire the passwords of officials within the department on June 28 to gain unauthorised access to the system and create fake registration plates.
Police raided 35 locations suspected of storing cars with fake plates, mostly in Bangkok, Samut Prakan and Chon Buri. They seized 65 cars worth 77.3 million baht, one of which was reportedly about to be delivered to the actor.
Mario admitted to the media that he bought the car. He presented purchase documents and other evidence to the CCIB during questioning that lasted more than two hours.
Deputy CCIB chief, Pol Maj Gen Amnat Traipot, told reporters police also questioned a man — only identified as Kong — who allegedly sold the classic car to the actor and his elder brother.
Police were told the actor had also bought antique furniture from Kong, and they had known each other for about two years.