Bangkok: The Metropolitan Police Chief has reported progress in the investigation of a robbery that occurred in the Lat Phrao area, where 3.4 million baht was stolen in a shopping mall parking lot. Two members of the seven-person gang involved in the crime have been identified.
According to Thai News Agency, the robbery took place in the second-floor parking lot of a famous shopping mall in the Chatuchak District. The assailants, armed with guns and knives, seized the cash and fled in a grey Honda Civic with a Nakhon Sawan license plate. The incident was reported at 8:00 PM on June 30, with initial investigations revealing that the victim and criminals had arranged to meet for a cryptocurrency transaction.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam Boonsom, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, is actively following the case. He disclosed that the victims included Mr. Piyalap, aged 35, Mr. Ratthaphum, aged 20, and Mr. Satchaphot, aged 29. The group had previously conducted transactions with a cryptocurrency agent, and during this meeting, they intended to purchase USDT worth 3.4 million baht.
The robbery unfolded when six assailants, including four men, one woman, and an LGBTQ woman acting as an agent, negotiated with the victims before luring them to a car. Mr. Piyalap and Mr. Ratthaphum were forced into the vehicle at knifepoint, while Mr. Satchaphon, carrying the cash, was deceived into entering the car before being robbed.
As the investigation progresses, Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam has confirmed that two or three gang members have been identified, with some working as gamers and others running pet cafes. The police are collaborating with various divisions, including the Crime Suppression Division and the Investigation Division of Phaholyothin Police Station, to capture the perpetrators swiftly.