Malaysian Man Arrested in Pattaya for Sex Tape Blackmail Scheme
Immigration police and Pattaya City officers have arrested a 24-year-old Malaysian man accused of running a disturbing hidden-camera blackmail operation targeting Thai women. The dramatic late-night raid took place at 12:30 a.m. on August 8 at a condominium in the Jomtien area, after a victim came forward with a chilling complaint.
According to authorities, the suspect, identified as Tak Sun Chong, had been using the WeChat messaging app to approach women while posing as a friendly acquaintance. One victim told police she was lured to his condominium under the pretense of a casual meeting. However, unbeknownst to her, hidden cameras had been installed in the room, capturing their intimate encounter without her consent.
The woman alleged that after the meeting, Tak threatened to upload the explicit footage to pornographic websites unless she paid him a sum of money. Fearing public humiliation, she immediately reported the incident to police, prompting a swift joint operation between Immigration officers and Pattaya City Police.
Raid and Evidence Seizure
During the raid, officers confiscated two miniature hidden cameras, a flash drive, several memory cards, multiple electronic devices, and two mobile phones. A forensic examination of the flash drive revealed a large collection of explicit videos allegedly filmed over several years. Investigators believe dozens of women may have been targeted in a similar manner.
Some victims are suspected to have paid anywhere from a few hundred to tens of thousands of baht to prevent the footage from being released online. Police are now working to identify these women and offer them assistance, while also examining whether the suspect distributed the material on the dark web or through private networks.
Visa Violations and Criminal Tactics
Checks with immigration records showed that Tak had entered and exited Thailand several times on tourist visas in recent years. However, his latest stay had long since become illegal — he had overstayed by more than 400 days.
Police also discovered that Tak did not officially reside in the condominium where the raid took place. Instead, he had been using a stolen keycard to gain access to the premises, effectively setting up a covert base of operations.
Confession and Ongoing Investigation
Initially, Tak denied the allegations and refused to cooperate with questioning. But after being confronted with the mounting evidence, he allegedly confessed to using the videos to blackmail women for financial gain. His admission confirmed suspicions that the operation had been ongoing for an extended period.
Despite the confession, investigators remain skeptical about the full scope of his activities. They are now probing whether any of the material was sold or traded online, particularly in underground networks where such illicit content is often shared.
Victim Support and Police Warning
Authorities are urging any women who suspect they may have been targeted by Tak to come forward. They have promised confidentiality and support for victims, emphasizing that this type of sexual exploitation is a serious crime under Thai law.
The suspect is currently being held at Pattaya City Police Station and faces multiple charges, including extortion, producing and possessing obscene material, unauthorized filming, theft, and overstaying his visa.
Police have also issued a warning to the public to exercise caution when meeting new acquaintances through social media or messaging platforms. They stressed the importance of reporting suspicious behavior immediately to prevent further harm.
With the investigation ongoing, officers are determined to uncover the full extent of the suspect’s network and ensure justice for all victims of the alleged blackmail scheme.
