A Lao couple, wanted by police in the neighbouring country for their suspected involvement in deceptive schemes, were imprisoned yesterday at a hotel in Pathum Thani and will be deported to handle charges back home, police said.
The suspects, the 34-year-old man recognized as Anusit and a 30-year-old woman identified as Pontip, reportedly fled to Thailand in late June and brought with these 400 million baht, or 20 billion dollars kip.
The couple happened to run a number of investment schemes but are most notorious for selling “mystery boxes” online, apparently in emulation of Thai influencer and live online retailer “Pimrypie”.
They reportedly operated a preserving scheme promising 30%-50% monthly returns pertaining to members.
However , a group of people submitted a complaint along with police in 06 accusing them of deception after they were unable to collect their cash.
Following an investigation, police issued warrants for their criminal arrest on charges associated with public fraud and collecting unusually high interest rates.
Before their criminal arrest, police turned up at a house in tambon Khlong Si, Khlong Luang district searching for them, only to find these people no longer stayed there.
The couple were apprehended at a hotel in Pathum Thani’s Klong 5 area last night morning and delivered to immigration police to be processed for deportation.
Ms Pontip denied the particular accusations but accepted the saving plan had collapsed.
She said they fled to Thailand because they had been threatened and needed time to think.
She insisted she did not have got 400 million baht, as reported by some media outlets.
Mr Anusit denied swindling people and claimed the couple had been cheated by two of their staff. He said he has been gathering evidence to file a complaint towards them and had simply 50, 000-60, 500 baht.