Published on January 18, 2006

The Immigration Bureau plans to deport two foreign men – a German and a Swede – arrested on Monday. Both are wanted by authorities in their home countries.

Immigration commissioner Pol Lt Colonel Suwat Thamrongsrisakul announced the arrests and plans to deport the pair.

He also revealed that Thai authorities were on the lookout for an American organised-crime boss wanted for alleged involvement in numerous murders in the 70s and 80s.

Becker Hans Dieter, 54, who was arrested at a house in Prachuap Khiri Khan, was wanted in Germany on charges of abetting and accepting bribes, as well as tax evasion. His alleged offences involved “damages” of about 300,000 euro (about Bt15 million).

The other man arrested was Bo Peter Soderback, 33, a Swede sought in connection with 19 crimes including two serious offences. Soderback’s criminal record included thefts, bank robberies, drug trafficking and intimidation.

Suwat said Soderback was nabbed in Pattaya on Monday morning.

Suwat said authorities were also looking for James J Bulger, who is on the US Federal Bureau of Investigation’s list of 10 “most wanted” fugitives following reports that the American had altered his appearance and may try to sneak into Thailand.

Bulger is being sought for his role in numerous murders committed from the early 70s through to the mid-80s in connection with his leadership of an organised crime group allegedly involved in extortion, drug deals and other illegal activities in Boston.

The FBI is offering a US$1 million reward for information leading directly to the arrest of Bulger.

The Nation

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