South Korean Wanted for Multi-Million-Won Fraud Captured in Bangkok
South Korean Wanted for Multi-Million-Won Fraud Captured in Bangkok
BANGKOK, June 16, 2026 — A South Korean national wanted by authorities in his home country for allegedly defrauding dozens of victims out of nearly one billion won has been arrested in Bangkok and is expected to be extradited to South Korea.
The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Mr. Youngkeun, was arrested on June 15 by officers from Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), Special Operations Division and Immigration Bureau following a joint investigation with South Korean authorities.
According to Thai police, Mr. Youngkeun was the subject of a South Korean arrest warrant and an Interpol Red Notice for fraud-related offences.
Investigators allege that the suspect deceived his girlfriend, colleagues and acquaintances by claiming he urgently needed money to settle investment debts, recover from financial losses and secure funds related to marriage arrangements with his family.
In one case, police said a victim transferred 65 million won after believing the suspect’s claims. Another colleague allegedly sent 50 million won after Mr. Youngkeun claimed he had fallen victim to rental deposit fraud and needed temporary financial assistance until receiving insurance compensation.
Authorities said the suspect allegedly employed similar schemes over a two-month period, targeting 56 victims through 71 separate transactions. Total losses were estimated at 962.8 million won.
Following the alleged offences, Mr. Youngkeun reportedly fled South Korea and entered Thailand, where he is accused of hiding in a condominium in Bangkok’s Phra Khanong district.
The investigation began after the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Thailand requested assistance from Thai authorities. Officers from the Centre for Combating Transnational Crime and Illegal Immigration subsequently traced the suspect to the condominium and placed the location under surveillance.
When approached by police, the suspect allegedly attempted to conceal his identity by claiming to be another person and was unable to provide documentation proving who he was. He was taken to Phra Khanong Police Station for further verification.
Immigration records later confirmed that the man was Mr. Youngkeun and matched the individual sought by South Korean authorities. Police then formally notified him of the allegations and transferred him for legal proceedings.
Thai authorities are now coordinating with their South Korean counterparts regarding his deportation and return to South Korea, where he will face the outstanding fraud charges.
The case highlights ongoing cooperation between Thailand and South Korea in tracking and apprehending fugitives who attempt to evade prosecution by fleeing abroad.
