BANGKOK, July 10 (TNA) – Thai police have arrested Nava Hongsakul, also known as “Tick Nava”, a thief who emulated the famous fictional character Arsène Lupin, after he stole valuable heirlooms from a prominent family.
Nava, 36, was apprehended upon arriving at the Royal Thai Police Headquarters in Bangkok’s Pathumwan district on July 9 while driving for his employer.
The case began when a well-known advertising executive reported to Bang Na Police Station that four 120-year-old portraits of King Rama V, complete with ancient royal signatures, had disappeared from his luxurious mansion in the Udom Suk area. The theft occurred during a fire in the electrical control room, which disabled the security cameras and electrical systems.
Pol Maj Gen Thiradej Thamsuthee, commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s Investigation Division, discovered that antique dealers in Chonburi, Nakhon Pathom, and Nonthaburi provinces had purchased the valuable items for 100,000 baht altogether. Further investigation revealed that the thief was Nava, who had been working as the businessman’s driver.
During interrogation, Nava confessed that he had applied for the driver position in late 2022. Over time, he gained the family’s trust and access to all areas of the mansion. He then stole the portraits and sold them through online channels before returning to work as if nothing had happened.
Pol Lt Gen Thiti Saengsawang, commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, has ordered a broader investigation to determine if Nava was part of a larger criminal network.
The stolen portraits are considered priceless due to their rarity and significant sentimental value to the family. Nava has been charged with theft from an employer and handling stolen goods.
Regarding Nava’s background, he has consistently worked as a driver for executives, but frequently changed jobs and specifically chose to apply for positions where he could gain the trust of his employers. The police believe that this may not be his only offense and that there could be many other victims who have fallen prey to his schemes. -819 (TNA)
