Thai police arrest man suspected of stealing large jewelry cache from Carl Blackburn

By JCK Online Staff -- JCK Online, November 9, 2004

Thai police have arrested a Belgian national suspected of stealing an estimated 18 million to 18.5 million baht ($442,000 to $454,400) worth of jewelry from the company for which he worked, according to law enforcement officials and media sources.

Dominique Verbestel, 40, was arrested Friday, Nov. 5, in the resort province of Krabi, The Associated Press reports. Verbestel, also known as Dirk Deweirdt, Anthony Deweirdt, and Richard P. Branson, was the production manager for Carl Blackburn Jewelry Limited. The AP report was confirmed in a statement by the Bangkok-based jewelry manufacturer.

Bangkok police issued an arrest warrant for Verbestel after he allegedly stole diamonds, gems, and pearls on Oct. 23 from his employer.

Police reportedly said Carl Blackburn, the owner of the company, had entrusted Verbestel with a key to the company safe. He allegedly took the goods to his ex-girlfriend, Lalin Boonmee, 39, who was apprehended in Bangkok Friday after Verbestel's arrest, the AP reports. Verbestel and Lalin have been charged with theft.

Thai police recovered 15 bags of small diamonds, nine bags of sapphires, and one bag of jewelry, The Bangkok Post reports. The Thai newspaper also reports that Verbestel has admitted to the theft.

There is some discrepancy over the value of what was stolen. The AP, quoting law enforcement officials, say the value of the jewels stolen was approximately $440,400, Carl Blackburn, in a statement, said the value is $1 million. The Bangkok Post, quoting official sources, reported that Verbestel allegedly stole 458 diamond, pearl, and sapphire items worth approximately $454,000.

In addition to law enforcement efforts, Carl Blackburn launched an aggressive worldwide campaign for Verbestel's arrest that included press releases, a dedicated Web site (www.dirkdeweirdt.com), and a $50,000 reward for his capture.

“I can’t applaud enough the work of Thailand’s police force,” Blackburn said. “Rapid response is critical in these kinds of cases, and the officers … I am tremendously grateful to all those who assisted us in this matter.”

Verbestel is also wanted in Belgium for theft, the AP reports. Verbestel will have to face the charges in a Thai court before extradition procedures can begin.