The ASOS co-founder who fell to his death from the 17th-floor of his apartment in Thailand had been convicted of fraud weeks before, it has now emerged.
Quentin Griffiths, 58, who died on February 9, was being investigated by the Thai police over an alleged £500,000 fraud at the company he ran with his ex-wife, Ploy Kringsinthanakun, 43.
Mr Griffiths had been convicted of fraud last October and sentenced to 18 months in prison, the Sun reported, but allegedly appealed so that he could remain free under Thai law.
He had been due to have a meeting with his ex-wife’s lawyers this month in an attempt to stay out of prison – but just two days before fell to his death in Pattaya, a seaside city south of Bangkok.
But now it has been reported that Mr Griffiths was arrested at Bangkok airport after a flight from London on January 15 last year, according to the Sun.
He was accused of allegedly falsifying documents to fraudulently remove his ex-wife as director of a firm used to hold property for a family home.
Police Chief Lt Col Worapoj Lallitjirakul told the Sun: ‘The court convicted him. He was sentenced to one year and six months in prison on October 21.’
Yesterday, Mr Griffith’s ex-wife, Ploy Kringsinthanakun, launched a custody battle for their two children.
Mr Griffiths pictured with his ex-wife Ploy Kringsinthanakun and their two children
The ASOS co-founder was reportedly being investigated for fraud at the time of his death
Ms Kringsinthanakun announced she is fighting to regain custody of their two children, aged 12 and 11, after they were handed over to their paternal relatives following Mr Griffiths’ death.
Her lawyers have said that Kringsinthanakun and Mr Griffiths shared court-ordered joint custody of the children, and that this is in direct contravention of the order.
‘Our client is profoundly concerned about the safety, emotional well-being, and stability of her children during this extremely difficult time,’ they said.
‘She is the children’s legal custodial parent and is seeking their immediate and safe return in accordance with the standing court order.’
In a statement released by her counsel, Kringsinthanakun said: ‘My children have already suffered the devastating loss of their father. At a time when they most need the comfort, love, and stability of their mother, I have been prevented from being with them.
‘I am pleading with those who currently have my children — please do the right thing and return them to me immediately so we can begin to heal as a family.’
Ms Kringsinthanakun has said she played no role in his death, which occurred just days before their next scheduled court appearance.
Ms Kringsinthanakun said she and her ex-husband had not been in contact for four years and eight months after she discovered he had been unfaithful.
The building from which Andrew Griffiths was found dead on February 9 after falling from the 17th floor
She said she found out about his death from his lawyer, and in a state of shock, checked local Pattaya news but found nothing.
Speaking about the death, a source close to the family said: ‘It’s a real mystery. The phrase ‘suspicious circumstances’ has been used but we just don’t know yet.’
Mr Griffiths’ girlfriend at the time of the tragedy, Jom Thipanongsri, said she was shocked at his death.
Speaking to The Sun, the 26-year-old said: ‘I just can’t believe he would do something like that.
‘No one close to him ever thought he would take his own life, because no one saw any warning signs at all.
‘And personally I never saw him taking antidepressants or any other medication.’
She said she is heartbroken, in complete shock and has cried every day since his death.
