A Portuguese national has been apprehended by Thai law enforcement on allegations of orchestrating extensive fraudulent schemes involving cryptocurrency and credit cards, reportedly totaling approximately $580 million (equivalent to €500 million).
The individual, identified by the Thai news source Khaosod as Pedro M., was located inside a shopping center in Bangkok. His discovery was attributed to a visiting Portuguese journalist who recognized him.
While the specific last name was not provided by the publication, photographs and information circulating in Portuguese media strongly suggest the suspect is Pedro Mourato.
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Authorities were able to verify his identity using facial recognition technology and further biometric analysis. A team of over ten undercover officers was dispatched to the shopping complex in search of the suspect. He was ultimately located while using his mobile device, and eyewitness accounts suggest he appeared nervous.
Official police records indicate that Pedro was born in Lisbon and relocated to Thailand sometime in 2023. Upon his arrival in the country, an arrest warrant was already in effect; however, he successfully avoided capture.
He then remained in Thailand illegally due to an expired visa and failure to register a legal place of residence.
Investigators have reported that he continued to perpetrate scams from within Bangkok, defrauding local investors of sums exceeding 1 million baht (approximately $30,800). Citing information obtained from Interpol records, Khaosod also reported that his alleged illicit activities extend beyond Thailand’s borders, with potential connections to fraud cases spanning Portugal, other European nations, and the Philippines.
Pedro is currently in police custody. Thai authorities are collaborating with international organizations to examine the available evidence in this case.
In related news, Zhimin Qian, a Chinese national, recently pled guilty in a UK court to possessing and managing criminal assets consisting of 61,000 Bitcoin. Want to know the details? Read the complete story here.