PATTAYA, THAILAND – Thai police arrested a 42-year-old German man in his apartment after he was wanted on a money laundering warrant and had overstayed his visa by more than seven years.
German request triggers search in Pattaya
Authorities in Germany had asked Thai investigators for assistance in a cross-border crime case involving money laundering. A 42-year-old man, identified as S. Schmitz, was at the top of their list and was believed to be hiding in Pattaya. Police in Chonburi launched the operation in the late morning after receiving a tip on 11 February.
Officers were searching for the suspect over alleged illegal financial dealings. German officials supplied detailed information to their counterparts in Thailand to support the search.
Suspected laundering via phones and electronics
Investigators accused the man of money laundering linked to trade in mobile phones and other electronic devices. The activities reportedly involved questionable online transactions, and officers examined his accounts and digital records closely. All trails from the German investigation ultimately led to Pattaya.
The alleged offences concerned electronic equipment and financial data, with Schmitz using the internet for his business dealings. Evidence was based on investigations in his home country, while in Thailand he appeared to be trying to start a new life and remain under the radar of the authorities.
Raid on apartment after court order
Detectives eventually established his exact address and watched the house for some time. On 10 February, a court in Pattaya issued a search warrant, and one day later officers moved in. They surrounded the building and entered the German national’s rooms.
The operation unfolded without major difficulties for the police, who found the suspect directly in his room. Schmitz was unable to flee or continue hiding, and officers arrested him immediately and escorted him to a waiting patrol vehicle.
Computer, phones and credit cards seized
Police conducted a thorough search of the apartment looking for evidence linked to the alleged crimes in Germany. They seized a computer tower and three mobile phones found in the rooms. The devices were secured and listed carefully for the official record.
Investigators also discovered two credit cards that could be important for tracing financial flows. Officers handed all seized items to cybercrime specialists, who were expected to examine each piece of equipment in detail for data and account movements.
2591 days in Thailand without a valid visa
During the document check, officers uncovered an additional offence. The German national had remained in the country far beyond the permitted period, staying exactly 2591 days longer than allowed. This amounted to more than seven years without a valid visa, which had expired long ago.
Schmitz thereby violated Thai immigration regulations and had been hiding from police checks. He now faced legal consequences for his unlawful stay and was taken to the local police station, where he awaited a decision on the next steps.
Extradition to face trial in Germany
Thai police opened talks with German authorities to coordinate further action in the case. The first step concerned penalties for the illegal stay in Thailand, to be followed by extradition proceedings. A court process in Germany was already pending for the man.
Officials from both countries continued to exchange information on the case. Schmitz was to remain in custody until the necessary paperwork was completed, after which he would be flown back to Germany to face questions from the public prosecutor’s office.