Four heavily armed Chinese gangs robbed their compatriots and extorted 70 million baht

Thai authorities are actively hunting down four armed suspects involved in a high-profile robbery targeting a Chinese businessman in Pathum Thani. The four armed suspects reportedly forced the victim to transfer about 70 million baht in digital currency before fleeing with it in a Toyota Alphard.

The robbery took place on August 14, 2024, at a luxury home within a golf course in Pathum Thani. Police arrived at the scene at around 2:45 a.m. after receiving a report of a robbery. The home, which housed six people, was attacked by four armed, masked Chinese nationals.

The 34-year-old businessman, Mr. Ke Jibao, was forced to transfer about $2 million worth of cryptocurrency into an account, a task that was performed by the victim's relatives in China. The exact motive for the attack is unclear, and there is no information about previous disputes or debts between the parties.

After the robbery, the suspects fled in the victim's black Toyota Alphard and abandoned the vehicle later that day near a power plant near Pathum Thani. Police subsequently seized the vehicle and are examining it for evidence.

Police are also reviewing CCTV footage and using forensic techniques to track the suspects’ movements. Authorities are employing financial tracing methods in the hope of uncovering any clues about the stolen cryptocurrency or the robbers themselves.

Two residents were injured in the incident, one of whom, Mr. Ke Jibao, suffered a minor knife wound to his wrist, and the other, Mr. Chen Mingfa, was shot in the forehead with a gun. Both were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The investigation is still ongoing, and local authorities have conducted thorough interviews with all personnel at the scene. The police also urged anyone with relevant information to come forward and continue to hunt for the suspects. The complexity of tracking digital currencies and international involvement adds layers to the investigation, and the police use advanced technology in the hope of arresting the criminals.