A Bangkok-based crime gang leader masterminded a supercar theft ring that saw £6.5 million of luxury vehicles stolen to order in the UK and shipped to Thailand.
Intarasak Techaterasiri, 40, who went by the alias Boy Unity, employed people in Britain to attend high-value car dealerships and purchase finance-to-buy vehicles which they had no intention of paying off.
The cars were then shipped to Thailand and were destined to be sold at dealerships in the country for large amounts of money.
But Techaterasiri’s plot was foiled after port officials in Southampton seized two containers which held four stolen cars, and these were tracked back to him.
He is now awaiting trial in Thailand after at least 35 cars were sent to Thailand between 2016 and 2017 as part of the finance fraud.
Intarasak Techaterasiri (centre), who went by the alias Boy Unity, is awaiting trial in Thailand for his part in the fraud
During the investigation, Thai officers raided nine locations in Bangkok and recovered 30 cars
Among the cars targeted were Porsche 718 Boxsters, a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, Lamborghini Huracan Spyder and a Range Rover SV Autobiography.
An investigation by the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service found Techaterasiri would have his middlemen buy the cars before handing them over at his property in Kensington, west London.
They were then typically sent by air freight from Heathrow, leaving car dealerships and small businesses thousands out of pockets.
During the investigation, Thai officers raided nine locations in Bangkok and recovered 30 cars, including eight Mercedes-Benzes, five BMW M4s, five Porsches, three Nissan GT-Rs, one Lamborghini Huracan Spyder, a Ford Mustang, a Lexus, and a Mini Cooper. Five other cars are being tracked down.
Four people in the UK were arrested as part of the investigation into the crime ring, but they were released without charge.
Techaterasiri was arrested in Bangkok in 2017, but jumped bail after being convicted of evading import tariffs and was rearrested in 2022. He is still awaiting trial for his role in the smuggling ring.
A total of 13 people have been arrested and charged in Thailand as a result of the investigation.
Among the cars targeted were Porsche 718 Boxsters, a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, Lamborghini Huracan Spyder and a Range Rover SV Autobiography
Four people in the UK have been arrested as part of the investigation into the crime ring
An investigation by the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service found Techaterasiri would have his middlemen buy the cars
Among the vehicles stolen was a green Lamborghini Huracan Spyder worth £220,000.
The gang targeted a private individual who was selling the car before sending it abroad. The owner is set to be reunited with it, but it is now valued at just £80,000.
Sharon Naughton, the head of the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service, said: ‘UK law enforcement is bearing down on vehicle crime [and] this is just another method by which criminals are stealing cars.
‘They’re going into dealerships, entering into a finance agreement, being given the keys and driving away. Finance companies and banks know their vehicle has been stolen when the repayments aren’t made.’
Jenny Sims, lead for vehicle crime on the National Police Chiefs’ Council said: ‘This is a positive resolution to what has been an incredibly complex and diligent investigation bringing together a number of agencies and partners.
‘We know vehicle crime has a huge impact on its victims and the tireless work involved in this investigation reflects how seriously we take our role in tackling it.
‘Vehicle crime presents a number of challenges and complexities and this is why partnership working is so vital in our fight against it.’
Duncan Burrage, NCA International Liaison Officer for Thailand, said: ‘The return of these vehicles to their rightful British owners is a result of a successful multi-agency investigation with crucial contributions from the NCA, the Thai Attorney General’s Office, Department of Special Investigations and NaVCIS.
‘The action taken in returning these high value vehicles sends a message that the UK and Thai authorities will work with determination, and over years if necessary, to seek justice and return stolen assets.
‘With thanks to our law enforcement partners in Thailand, 13 people have been arrested and charged in the country as part of this investigation.
‘The luxury cars exported for onward sale included a Lamborghini, five Porches and eight Mercedes-Benzes. With a combined value of more than £6million, the vehicles represented a significant financial loss to victims in the UK.’
