BANGKOK — Two Liberian nationals were arrested for allegedly defrauding a Thai man in a sophisticated gold purchase scam involving counterfeit US currency worth $90,000. The arrests were made on January 4, 2025, near Udom Suk Road in Bangkok’s Bang Na district.
The fraud scheme began when a Facebook user, posing as “Richard,” offered to sell gold at below-market prices. The victim agreed to buy two kilograms of gold and arranged to meet the suspects in the Khlong Toei district of Bangkok.
During the transaction, the victim brought $90,000 in cash, which was stored in a Kasikorn Bank paper bag. The suspects employed a distraction technique involving a video call with “Richard,” allowing them to swap the victim’s real currency with counterfeit bills while the gold appeared to be genuine.
After the exchange, the suspects excused themselves to “retrieve their passports” but failed to return. The victim realized the fraud when attempting to exchange the bills at Siam Commercial Bank, where they were confirmed to be counterfeit.
Confessions and Charges:
Both suspects, identified as Youssouf, 50, and Solomon, 32, have confessed to the crime. They stated that part of the stolen money was deposited in the Pratunam area for international transfer, before they spent a night in a hotel and separated to return to their residences.
Police have charged both men with theft and are investigating a possible organized crime network, with three additional suspects believed to be involved. Authorities continue to probe the operation to uncover the full extent of the fraud.
The suspects have reportedly agreed to return the stolen money gradually. Law enforcement is expanding the investigation to identify other individuals connected to the scam.
