(Bangkok) A Canadian, described as a mercenary, has been formally charged in the murder of an Indian gangster in the resort town of Phuket more than a year ago, Thai police said on Monday.
An investigation was launched after the death of Jimi Sandhu, shot several times near a luxury villa, in February 2022.
Shortly after, Interpol issued red notices against two Canadians, Matthew Leandre Ovide Dupre and Gene Karl Lahkramp, described as “armed and dangerous”.
The first was extradited by Canada and arrived in Thailand on Sunday evening on a Thai army plane, national police chief Damrongsak Kittiprapas said.
“He is a key suspect and a professional mercenary,” he told reporters.
The 38-year-old man has been charged with premeditated murder, unlawful possession of a weapon and use of a firearm, a police statement said.
PHOTO LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA, AGENCE FRANCE PRESSE
According to Mr. Damrongsak, he is a former soldier and mercenary who has worked in several countries including Afghanistan.
Sandhu had been in court many times. A former gang leader in Canada, he had been convicted of multiple offenses and had been returned to his country in 2016, according to Canadian media.
Two years later, he was detained in India for being involved in trafficking ketamine, according to Indian newspapers.
Jimi Sandhu had arrived in Thailand on a private jet from Malaysia shortly before his murder.
Gene Karl Lahrkamp died in a plane crash in 2022, according to Canadian media.