Fake Police Officer Targets Tourists in Pattaya
A 43-year-old Iranian man is behind bars after posing as a police officer and scamming two Indian tourists out of 300 US dollars on Pattaya’s busy Sukhumvit Road. The incident sparks concern among visitors and locals alike.
Police say the suspect, Noureddin Morteza Imanai, and an accomplice approached Mr. Gaganddeep Singh, 32, and Mr. Prabhdeep Singh, 20, on October 1, 2025. Both men wore motorcycle helmets and demanded to see the tourists’ passports.
The pair claimed to be conducting a routine check. Then, under various pretexts, they demanded an on-the-spot “fine” of $300. The tourists, confused and intimidated, handed over the cash.
Only after the suspects vanished did the visitors realize they had been duped. They quickly reported the crime at Banglamung Police Station.
CCTV Footage Leads to Arrest in Pattaya
Police Lieutenant Kornphong Sukwisit, deputy superintendent of Banglamung, launched an immediate investigation. CCTV footage revealed the suspects used a rented motorcycle from Soi Naklua 16.
After the scam, the men exchanged the stolen dollars at a currency booth near Phratamnak Hill and returned the motorcycle. This trail of evidence proved crucial.
On October 4, officers tracked down Noureddin at a restaurant in Soi Yensabai, South Pattaya. He matched the man seen in the CCTV footage.
Suspect Denies Guilt, Blames Accomplice
During questioning, Noureddin admitted he was with a friend but denied any wrongdoing. “My friend did the extortion. I knew nothing and was not part of the plan,” he insisted.
But police say the evidence tells a different story. CCTV clearly shows Noureddin exchanging the stolen money. Officers also discovered his passport had expired 39 days earlier, a separate violation under Thai law.
Pattaya Police Warn Tourists About Fake Officers
Police in Pattaya warn that criminals sometimes impersonate officers to target tourists. They stress that real police never demand immediate cash payments on the street.
“Tourists should always ask for an official ID and, if unsure, go to the nearest police station,” officers advise. Genuine officers will never object to having their identity checked.
Fraud and Impersonation Charges Await
Noureddin now faces charges of fraud and impersonating a police officer. Police continue to search for his accomplice, who remains at large.
The case serves as a stark warning for visitors in Pattaya: always verify the identity of anyone claiming to be law enforcement.
