Pattaya –
A Pakistani – Thai suspect in the murder of Hans Peter Mack, 62, in Pattaya, continues to say he was innocent and was threatened and forced to help participate in disposing of the body by alleged ringleader Olaf Brinkmann, 52, from Germany.
Our previous stories:
Now for the update:
Major Wachirawit Wisutsaereepan from the Nongprue Police told the Pattaya News that on Friday night (July 15th) police questioned one of the suspects, Mr. Shahruek Kareem Uddin, 27, a Pakistani national with Thai citizenship. He has still denied all charges but has provided good cooperation with police in the investigation according to Major Wachirawit.
The other prime suspects, Olaf Brinkmann, 52, and Petra Grundgreif, 54, will not speak at length to police and have deferred the case to their legal teams, added Major Wachirawit. Shahruek has been cooperative and willing to speak with police but in return has requested not to be placed in the same prison as Brinkmann and to have top police officer Lt. General Surachate Hakparn, Deputy Commissioner of the Thai Police, personally look into his claims of innocence and being forced and threatened to assist as a scapegoat.
Shahruek was taken from the Nongprue Police to the Banglamung Police Station in order to ensure he was protected and separate from Brinkmann, at his request. Shahruek told reporters with tears in his eyes while he was departing the Nongprue Police Station, “I am afraid for my life, I did not do this, I did not kill Mr. Mack, I was forced against my will to assist Brinkmann.”
His elder brother, 30, whose name was withheld, told the Pattaya News “My younger brother told me that he was forced by Olaf, the German suspect, to participate. Olaf threatened to harm and kidnap Shahruek’s wife and sister and even threatened to kill his parents if he did not participate. Shahruek said Olaf even held a gun to his head when threatening him to help. Shahruek has continued to profess that he did not kill Mack and had nothing to do with the plot other than being forced by Olaf to help dispose of the corpse. He is very worried and afraid to meet Olaf in prison as he believes Olaf or his associates in various gangs and clubs will kill him for speaking out. Our family is planning to write a letter to the deputy national police chief, Pol. Lt. Gen. Surachate Hakparn to help my brother in this case for justice.”
At this time police have decided to keep Shahruek and Mr. Brinkmann separate and as stated have moved them to different prisons. Shahruek is also reportedly being kept apart from the general population for his safety.
Meanwhile, Chonburi police have vowed to look into possible criminal activity in motorcycle clubs that Mr. Brinkmann was associated with and if any other individuals could have been involved in the plot against Mack.
