Loan Shark Gang Charged for Forcing Debtor to Film Explicit Videos and Demanding Sex in Exchange for Interest Relief

A loan shark gang has been reported to police for forcing a female debtor to film explicit videos before approving a second loan and demanding sexual favors in exchange for forgiving accumulated interest. The suspect threatened to release the videos if she failed to repay the full principal and interest.

On May 4, Ekkapop Luangprasert, founder of the "Saimai Must Survive" Facebook page, brought the victim (referred to as Ms. A) to file a complaint with investigators at Rattanathib Police Station in Nonthaburi Province against the loan shark for extortion, threats, and sexual assault.

Investigator Lt. Athit Rungcheetu of Rattanathib Police Station revealed that preliminary questioning found clear evidence of criminal conduct. The loan shark appears to have violated the Usurious Loan Prohibition Act and the Debt Collection Act by charging excessive interest rates, and is suspected of sexual assault.

The victim met the loan shark while working at a restaurant. She initially borrowed 5,000 baht with daily interest of 200 baht, which she paid for several months. When she took out a second 5,000-baht loan, the loan shark forced her to film explicit videos and later coerced her into sexual activity when she fell behind on payments of 400 baht daily. The suspect then threatened to release the videos if she didn't pay the outstanding principal and interest.

Ekkapop stated that today's complaint was just the beginning, and tomorrow he will take the victim to the Ministry of Justice to enroll in a witness protection program. He believes this loan shark gang has victimized multiple other debtors and urged additional victims to come forward so authorities can pursue further charges for illegal lending and money laundering.