In Thailand, a woman who lured the Buddhist monks was detained in three years and then blackmailed them with intimate photos and videos. During this time, it received about $ 11.9 million, most of which spent on online casino.
According to police, 35-year-old Vilavan Esaavat had an intimate relationship with at least nine monks, photographed and recorded them, and then demanded money under threat of compromise. Her victims were losing large sums to avoid scandal.
The suspicion was caused for the first time by the sudden resignation of one of the rector of the Buddhist temple. Police found that he left a position because of the blackmail of Vilavan, who, she said, gave birth to a child from him and demanded to pay $ 220,000 alimony.
The investigation showed that the victims were at least nine. During a search of the suspect's house, law enforcement officers found tens of thousands of photos, videos and correspondence with the monks she used for blackmail.
The woman was detained immediately after she received another big money transfer from one of the monks.
It is known that most of the money she has withdrawn from bank accounts and spent gambling on the Internet.
Against Vilavan Esaavat opened criminal cases for demanding, money laundering and illegal receipt of property.
In response to the incident, Thailand's police opened a hotline to report the improper behavior of the monks. The Sangha Verkhovna Rada, which manages Buddhism in the country, has created a special committee to review and strengthen the rules of conduct in monasteries.
