Two arrested in Thalang after Phuket raids on alleged loan shark operation
Investigators from Region 8 Police carried out coordinated raids at two properties in Thepkrasattri yesterday (Apr 28), acting under search warrants issued by the Phuket Provincial Court on Monday.
Two 29-year-olds were arrested in Thalang after coordinated police raids at two properties in Thepkrasattri on Apr 28 targeted an alleged loan shark operation in Phuket. Region 8 Police said Thawatchai, known as “Got,” and Nattaya, known as “Bew,” were taken into custody under Phuket Provincial Court search warrants issued on Apr 27.
Both suspects were initially charged with jointly operating an unlicensed pawnshop and jointly providing loans at interest rates above the legal limit. Officers seized a car, a motorcycle and a large volume of documents before handing the pair to investigators at Thalang Police Station.
Facebook lending probe led to court-approved searches
Police said the operation followed an investigation by the Special Operations Division of Region 8 Police, with support from teams from Phang Nga, after a tip-off about illegal lending advertised on Facebook under the name “Got.”
Investigators said the suspects used the Facebook accounts “Got” and “Bew Nattaya,” along with word of mouth, to find customers. Authorities then gathered evidence and secured court-approved warrants numbered 91-92/2569.
Police detail collateral scheme and seized evidence
According to police, the business offered cash loans in exchange for cars and motorcycles as collateral, with or without registration documents. Repayments were transferred to Thawatchai’s bank account, and interest rates were reported to run as high as 60% per month.
At one searched residence, officers found both suspects along with multiple vehicles and loan-related paperwork. A second search at another property registered to Nattaya led to the seizure of more evidence parked nearby.
Police said officers seized 31 loan agreements and related records totaling 153 pages. Region 8 Police said the arrests were carried out without force or property damage, the suspects were informed of their rights, and further investigation and legal action are ongoing.
Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/two-arrested-in-thalang-over-loan-shark-operation-100069.php
