Authorities in Thailand have recently arrested two men accused of colluding to produce and sell counterfeit vehicle registration plates. According to the police Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD), Natthawat, 27, was apprehended at a house in the Muang district of Nonthaburi, while Poramet, also 27, was arrested in the Suan Luang district of Bangkok. The suspects’ surnames have not been disclosed.
Natthawat is being accused of operating a website that sells fake vehicle license plates and vehicle registration books to customers. He would gather orders and have Poramet hire various shops throughout Bangkok, including one in the popular Pathumwan area, to produce the counterfeit plates and books, as reported by the police.
During the investigation at Natthawat’s house, the TCSD seized 37 fake registration plates, 21 books, 84 rubber stamps, a plate embossing machine, a desktop computer, and a book containing customer names. Natthawat claimed to have purchased a machine to stamp the Department of Land Transport’s seal on the fake plates to make them appear authentic.
Although Natthawat stated that he only sold the plates and books to Chinese nationals, the police remain skeptical. The TCSD investigators discovered that the two suspects had been operating their illicit business for over two years and fulfilled more than 500 orders.
Bank records revealed that the duo had accumulated over 5 million baht in their combined accounts. Natthawat informed the police that the counterfeit registration books were sold for 2,000 to 3,000 baht each. Consequently, he has been charged with falsifying official documents and importing false information into a computer system. Following these charges, he was brought to the Central Investigation Bureau for further interrogation.
Meanwhile, Poramet is facing charges for his alleged assistance to Natthawat, which he denies. The outcome of these arrests serves as a reminder that technology-related crimes continue to thrive, and authorities are constantly on the lookout for individuals engaging in such activities. By working together, the police and the public can help combat the circulation of counterfeit items and ensure a safer, more secure environment for all.
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