The Thai police in Bangkok have arrested a 39-year-old Portuguese national suspected of orchestrating large-scale fraud schemes involving cryptocurrencies and credit cards worth $580 million. The man, who according to media reports matches the profile of Pedro Mourato, had been living illegally in Thailand since 2023 and allegedly continued his criminal activities while in the country.

The luxury hideout ends in arrest

The suspect was caught in a luxury shopping mall, where he was unexpectedly recognized by a Portuguese journalist on vacation. The police later used facial recognition and biometric data to confirm his identity. More than ten plainclothes investigators were deployed to track him down and arrest him while he was on a phone call.

According to Thai authorities, the man had been evading an arrest warrant since 2023, when he first entered the country. He did not renew his visa or register an address, making his stay illegal. During this time, he allegedly defrauded local investors of more than 1 million baht (around $30,800).

Global Fraud Network from Europe to Asia

Interpol reports that the suspect is linked to extensive fraud operations in Portugal, across Europe, the Philippines, and Thailand. Portuguese authorities suspect he organized schemes that cost victims more than half a billion euros in total.

The Thai English newspaper Khaosod highlighted that his fraudulent activities have been long-standing and well-documented in European and Asian databases.

Thailand intensifies the fight against cryptocurrency criminals

This case adds to a series of recent Thai campaigns against cryptocurrency criminals. In the past year, multiple offenders from different countries have been arrested in the country.

In May, the police in Bangkok arrested a Vietnamese woman accused of defrauding more than 2,600 victims with losses of around $300 million.

In August, Thai police arrested a South Korean man at Suvarnabhumi Airport for allegedly laundering money through gold bars.

Days later, another South Korean was extradited in connection with a fraud scheme that allegedly targeted K-pop star Jungkook from BTS.

Thailand makes it clear that it will not become a safe haven for international cryptocurrency criminals, increasing cooperation with Interpol and foreign authorities.

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