Published : February 19, 2012
Lao Woman Lost Millions To African & Russian Scam Gang in Pattaya
A Lao woman was allegedly swindled out of 21 million THB by the "Nigerian 419" e-mail scam. The gang was later arrested in a Pattaya seaside condominium.
The African-Russian gang sent her an e-mail, claiming that 2 million USD belonging to a retiring US navy admiral who wanted to marry her. But the money was locked in an UN account. Her helped was needed.
The Laos woman believed them, transferred her money to their bank account and later realised that she had been tricked and reported the case to Nong Khai police.
Pattaya, February 17, 2012 [PDN]; Pol.Lt.Gen. Panya Mamen Commissioner General Police Region 2 with police team arrested the three suspects:
1. Mr. Biodun Agbajeola aka “Jimmy”: Nigerian citizen.
2. Ms. Julia Maksimova: Russian national.
3. Mr. Pual Michael: Mozambique citizen.
Upon arresting the suspects, the police seized bank books, ATM cards, and 10 credit cards as evidence.
On February 13, 2012 Pol.Lt. Gen Panya Mamen was notified by Pol.Col. Paisal Luesomboon, Nong Khai police a that a Loatian woman had been swindled by a gang using the Nigerian 419 e-mail scam.
They had sent an e-mail to her claiming that is was from Admiral McRavens Williams US Navy officer.
It said that after he had completed his duty in Iraq and he had left 2 million US dollars in a UN ware house/ office in the UK.
As part of the scam he wanted to marry the Lao woman and move to Laos after his retirement and the money would be transferred to her account.
The woman believed the gang and eventually transferred the money by many instalments totally 21,000,000 THB.
But but she did not receive the promised 2 million US dollars and she realised that she had been fooled and notified the case to Nongkai police.
Later the case was reported to the Pattaya police and the investigation team tracked the money and the suspects to Pattaya, View Talay Condominium, Project 1, M12, Phratamnak Road, Banglamung, Chonburi.
The African-Russian suspects have been charged fraud and will be transferred to Nong Khai police for further investigation.
