Bangkok: Authorities have arrested a 32-year-old man in Bangkok who allegedly posed as a woman on Facebook to deceive young people into creating and sending him pornographic videos, which he then used to blackmail them for money. The suspect, identified as Mr. Phitsanu, was apprehended in a temple parking lot following an investigation that revealed multiple victims across different regions.
According to Thai News Agency, the arrest was carried out by officers from the Technology Crime Suppression Center and Region 5 Police, acting on a warrant issued by the Chiang Mai Provincial Court. The charges against Mr. Phitsanu include extortion and corruption through the use of a computer system. The authorities also searched his residence, seizing three mobile phones and three bank account books as evidence.
The investigation began after a 12-year-old boy’s parents in Chiang Mai reported to the police on August 29th that their son had been targeted by an individual using the Facebook pseudonym “Hades Speed ??Speed
??Speed ??.” The suspect allegedly developed a rapport with the boy by pretending to be a female friend. After gaining the boy’s trust, he convinced him to record and send explicit video footage, which was subsequently used to extort money through threats and vulgar language. Frightened, the boy reportedly transferred money 12 times, totaling 7,089 baht.
Further examination of Mr. Phitsanu’s mobile phone uncovered conversations with at least nine other minors, suggesting a broader pattern of exploitation. Authorities are now expanding their investigation to identify additional victims and are urging parents to vigilantly monitor their children’s online interactions. The case underscores a significant societal threat posed by such cybercrimes.