HIV-positive cabdriver admits raping and robbing passengers

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THAILAND - An HIV-positive taxi driver has been arrested for robbing and raping many of his passengers in Bangkok.

Kaew Sangmuang, 43, claimed he had used condoms every time he had sex because he did not want to spread the deadly virus.

Police yesterday urged victims to come forward and contact Phraya Thai Police Station.

Kaew was arrested on Saturday after he stole a computer notebook from a regular customer and demanded Bt6,000(S$152.70) from a woman to return it.

In response to her complaint, police arrested Kaew as soon as he showed up at a superstore in Lat Phrao, where his victim pretended to give him the money.

A search of his cab uncovered national identity cards for nine of his victims and 22 SIM cards.

Cornered by the evidence, Kaew confessed he had raped many passengers aged between 18 and 22 years old. He had also robbed or stolen items from other passengers.

To date, at least seven victims have lodged complaints against him.

"I pretended to have love interest in them and promised to give them some money. Then, I brought them to hotels to have sex after which I would steal their belongings. I also raped some passengers," he said.

Kaew said he sometimes tricked passengers into leaving the cab to help withdraw cash from his bank account via an ATM.

"I promised to wait in the cab. But after they got out, I sped away with their belongings," he said.

Last October, a woman lodged a complaint against Kaew with Lat Phrao Police accusing him of stealing her handbag, with Bt1,000 in cash and a cell-phone in it.

On December 14 last year, another woman lodged a complaint against him with Bang Chan Police accusing him of stealing Bt5,000 in cash, a gold necklace, an iPhone, and her handbag.

On December 26, another victim filed a complaint with Beung Kum Police accusing Kaew of stealing Bt500 in cash, an ATM card, and a cell-phone from her.

Three days later, another victim told Hua Mark Police Kaew stole Bt10,000 in cash, a Blackberry cell-phone, and three passbooks from her. On January 22, another victim complained to Min Buri Police that Kaew stole her Blackberry and Bt5,000 in cash.

And on February 10, two women lodged complaints at Lat Phrao Police saying that he raped and robbed them.

Info : News