Portuguese Fraud Suspect Pedro Mourato Arrested in Bangkok
Portuguese national Pedro Mourato, suspected of masterminding a €500 million cryptocurrency and credit card fraud, has been arrested in Bangkok, Thailand. The 39-year-old was apprehended using facial recognition technology after evading authorities since 2023.
Mourato, who has been active in Brazil and Colombia, allegedly defrauded investors of over 1 million baht ($30,800) while in Thailand. His arrest follows a tip-off from a Portuguese journalist who spotted him at a luxury mall in Bangkok. Thailand has seen several crypto-related arrests this year, including a Vietnamese woman and a South Korean man. Meanwhile, a 34-year-old South Korean man was extradited for his role in a fraudulent scheme, highlighting international cooperation in combating such crimes.
Portuguese authorities suspect Mourato of orchestrating fraudulent activities across Portugal, Europe, the Philippines, and Thailand. His alleged crimes involve cryptocurrency and credit card fraud, totaling a staggering €500 million. Mourato's arrest is a significant development in the ongoing investigation, with law enforcement agencies working together to bring him to justice.
Pedro Mourato's arrest in Thailand marks a major step in the international effort to apprehend him. His alleged involvement in a €500 million fraud scheme has caught the attention of law enforcement agencies worldwide. As Thailand continues to crack down on crypto-related crimes, Mourato's extradition to face charges in Portugal is expected to follow.