German pensioner, 75, wanted over 'abuse of stepson' arrested in Thailand

A German fugitive wanted by Interpol for allegedly sexually abusing his Thai stepson has been arrested in Thailand.

Bernd Karl Becke, 75, from Weltwitz, allegedly abused the 10-year-old boy for more than five years.

The youngster and his mother had relocated to Europe to live with Bernd, who reportedly exploited the woman's absence to sexually assault him.

Bernd had been prosecuted in Germany, but allegedly fled court proceedings to hide out in Thailand.

Thai immigration officers tracked him down to a remote house in the middle of rice fields in Buriram province, following a request from German authorities.

Police raided the rural property on July 10, where Bernd had been living alone. He was taken into custody, and his visa was revoked.

Police Major General Phairat Phukcharoen, commander of Immigration Division 4, said the German had been living in seclusion and rarely ventured outside to avoid law enforcers.

He said: 'After receiving a request from the German authorities regarding a German man who had fled to Thailand despite being the subject of an Interpol Red Notice and had repeatedly failed to appear in court, I immediately ordered a manhunt.

‘Intelligence indicated that he was highly cautious and aware that he was being tracked by the authorities.

‘However, he was not beyond our reach. Investigators eventually traced him to a residence in Buriram.

‘We apprehended him while he was hiding inside the house, successfully bringing him into the justice system to ensure justice for the victim and the victim's family.'

Police said the suspect will be deported to Germany to face child sexual abuse charges and will be permanently blacklisted from re-entering Thailand.