Thai Authorities apprehend counterfeit police officer in scheme to sell cattle for gambling funds
Crooks recently apprehended a con artist posing as a cop in Thailand. This imposter toured numerous villages, attempting to peddle cattle but instead used the funds to gamble in Cambodia, never delivering the animals to the buyers.
The 58-year-old imposter, Wuttisak Phittakchan-im, repeatedly pulled off this fraud in the central region of Thailand. In each instance, he donned a police uniform from Thailand, adorned with medals and lieutenant insignia, exploiting the power of law enforcement to bolster his con.
Wuttisak eventually landed in the village of Chang Lek, where he conversed with the village chief, Pairat Unha. However, Pairat wasn't persuaded by the man's sales pitch.
The swindler offered THB250,000 (US$7,255) for each cow, with 20 heads available. Normally, cows sell for about one-tenth that amount in the country, according to local dealers. The village chief is heavily involved in the cattle industry, and when Wuttisak showed him the images, Pairat instantly recognized them as pictures posted in an online chat group.
He promptly contacted the local police station to investigate. Undercover officers arrived to speak with the alleged cattle supplier and asked him to present his police identification card. Instead of complying, Wuttisak bolted for freedom but didn't get far. The officers caught him and took him into custody.
His Own Pasture
The officers then searched Wuttisak's vehicle and found a collection of police gear and apparel, along with phony name tags and license plates.
Police uncovered at least one other victim of the scam. Two hours away, a man verified he gave Wuttisak THB330,000 (US$9,566) to purchase some cows.
Wuttisak has already confessed to running his scheme across Thailand and using the proceeds to gamble in Poipet, Cambodia. Each time he lost his winnings, he would return to Thailand and find a new region to exploit.
Local law firm Siam Legal states that the penalty for fraud can amount to THB60,000 (US$1,740), up to three years in prison, or both. Impersonating a police officer carries a sentence of several months for each offense proven in court.
Wuttisak is currently in jail.
