Bangkok –
An Egyptian national, whose name was only revealed to the press as Mohamed, was captured in Bangkok yesterday, December 15th, after allegedly illegally extorting and collecting money from foreigners in exchange for alleged protection during their stay in Thailand.
According to Immigration chief Sompong Chingduang, Mohamed was initially wanted for overstay for 1,772 days but a further investigation later exposed that the 37-year-old suspect was also involved in drugs and an extorting business against other foreigners who were living illegally in the Kingdom.
He had been reportedly collecting money from foreigners in exchange for protection, claiming that he and his friends could provide safety to those who were residing in Thailand without police intervention. Victims were required to pay them on a monthly basis or else they would be intimidated and physically harmed.
The suspect was sometimes spotted wandering among entertainment venues in Bangkok to allegedly sell and distribute drugs to foreign groups. His background also indicated that Mohamed had previously been arrested for allegedly possessing and selling crystal methamphetamine in 2017. The exact circumstances surrounding the results of this case were not immediately clear and why he had been released afterwards.
The arrest took place at a shopping avenue on Rama 9 road. He was taken to Suan Luang police station, where he was reportedly found not having his passport during his overstay.
Initially, Mohamed allegedly admitted to having been captured by Lumphini police in 2017 for allegedly possessing drugs. He was charged with overstay and extortion and is now in detention under the custody of the Royal Thai Police for legal proceedings.
Photo Courtesy: Immigration Bureau
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