South Korean Couple Arrested in Pattaya Over Alleged $1.2 Million Investment Fraud
South Korean Couple Arrested in Pattaya Over Alleged $1.2 Million Investment Fraud
PATTAYA, May 31, 2026 — Thai immigration authorities have arrested a South Korean husband and wife wanted under an Interpol Red Notice in connection with an alleged investment fraud scheme involving property development projects and cryptocurrency investments that reportedly caused losses exceeding 1.7 billion won.
The arrests were carried out on Saturday by officers from Chon Buri Immigration after investigators tracked the couple to a Korean restaurant on Pattaya Third Road, where they were reportedly overseeing preparations for the business’s opening.
The suspects were identified as 72-year-old Wi Sang Yoo and 52-year-old Kyeong Ha Jin, both South Korean nationals. Immigration officers detained the pair and transferred them for further legal proceedings.
According to South Korean authorities, the couple allegedly served as executives of a company that persuaded investors to place funds in real estate development projects and digital currency schemes. Investors were reportedly promised returns of 2% every five days, resulting in substantial financial losses for numerous victims.
Following the investigation, South Korean authorities issued arrest warrants and sought international assistance through Interpol, which subsequently circulated a Red Notice requesting the suspects’ location and detention.
Thai immigration police said the couple was located while supervising renovations and staff preparations at a Korean restaurant in Pattaya. Officers presented the warrants and escorted them to immigration offices for questioning before handing the case over to local investigators.
During initial questioning, both suspects acknowledged they were the individuals named in the Interpol notice. They reportedly claimed the allegations stemmed from events many years ago and said they had already reached financial settlements with investors. The pair also stated they were unaware of the reasons South Korean authorities later pursued criminal warrants.
The couple indicated they would return to South Korea and contest the allegations through the legal process.
Authorities have transferred the suspects to investigators at Nong Prue Police Station, where legal proceedings and court detention requests are underway. Thai and South Korean authorities are expected to coordinate on extradition procedures as the case moves forward.
