PHUKET – A French chef wanted in France on a charge of raping a disabled person has been arrested in Thailand because his visa had expired, police reported on Thursday.
Police said Verdino Christopher Pierri, 28, arrived in Thailand in October 2012. He worked as a chef at an Italian restaurant in Bangkok before moving to Phuket where he married a Thai woman.
The suspect was arrested at his home on Wednesday. Police have confirmed that he is the same person wanted on a warrant in France.
He was charged with overstaying his visa and is therefore an illegal immigrant. Police have been in contact with international and French police and are waiting for the arrival of officers to take Mr Pierri back to France.
Police have also arrested Brent Oalofink Erikson, a 67-year-old Swede wanted in Sweden on charges of fraud and tax evasion totalling around 100 million baht. The man was arrested at a beach in Phuket and will also be sent back to Sweden.