A South Korean man accused of leading a property fraud gang has been arrested at a luxury home in Hua Hin after living in Thailand for about 30 years, police said.
Han Seung-hun, 67, was detained in Hin Lek Fai under an arrest warrant on a charge of jointly committing fraud. Police linked him to four cases in Thailand involving reported losses of more than 147 million baht.
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) announced the arrest on Tuesday, 8 September. Investigators said Han claimed he entered Thailand illegally through an unofficial border crossing after travelling through Malaysia about 30 years ago.
Property fraud allegations date to 2020
Police identified Han as the alleged leader of the “Korea Black Invest” gang, accused of persuading fellow South Koreans to invest in land and condominiums in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chonburi.
Pol Col Chaowai Sarnkamol, deputy commander of the Economic Crime Suppression Division, said one victim was approached around 2020 and initially transferred 89 million baht to a company to purchase condominiums. Han’s Thai wife, Nitchita, 57, was its authorised director.
The victim later transferred another 89 million baht after being encouraged to invest in land through a second company. The suspects allegedly promised the victim shares and decision-making authority within the business.
The victim complained to police after discovering that not all the money had been used to buy land as promised.
### Suspect avoided transactions and social media
Pol Maj Gen Phatthanasak Bupphasuwan, commander of the Crime Suppression Division, said investigators struggled to trace Han because there was no record of his entry into Thailand.
Police said Han knew he was wanted and avoided apps, social media, financial transactions and official records in his own name.
Officers eventually identified his whereabouts and obtained a search warrant from Hua Hin Provincial Court before raiding the property.
Police said Han confessed to the charges. Authorities froze 8.4 million baht and are examining possible money laundering offences.
Investigators also linked the alleged network to 14 cases involving approximately 1.047 billion baht in losses. South Korean authorities reported around 14 complaints involving Han.