Further investigation into a kidnap-extortion case involving Chinese nationals in Sa Kaeo province has led to suspected links to transnational crime syndicates, police said on Thursday.
Charges have been filed against a fifth suspect who remains at large, reportedly a commissioned officer named Prayoon. He has been indicated as a co-offender alongside four other policemen who were arrested when the case broke. All four were suspended from duty on Wednesday, according to police spokesman Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phiwphan.
The fifth member of the kidnapping gang has been placed at the location where the five Chinese nationals were being held in Wang Somboon district of the eastern province on Sunday.
Authorities are still determining whether he acted as a mastermind, participant or in another role, Pol Lt Gen Trairong said.
The spokesman said the case is considered serious because it involves officers from multiple police units, and has therefore been escalated to the national level.
A civilian was also arrested in the raid and charged for assisting the officers.
Investigators believe the crime was not an isolated incident but rather carried out as part of a larger criminal operation, which may be connected to individuals in a neighbouring country.
Authorities have found evidence of coordinated communication and signals being shared with other likely affiliates.
Officials are tracing financial transactions, phone records, communications and benefits received by each suspect, as well as probing whether they have engaged in similar acts before.
Vehicles and locations used in the operation are under examination, Pol Lt Gen Trairong added.
Asked if the case could fall under the “forced disappearance” law, he said authorities must first examine the facts and intents behind the actions.
