Charles Sobhraj, often referred to as "The Serpent" or "The Bikini Killer," is a notorious figure whose criminal exploits in the 1970s captured global attention. Born in Saigon in 1944 to an Indian father and Vietnamese mother, Sobhraj's life was marked by a tumultuous childhood and early exposure to crime.

Early Life and Criminal Beginnings

Charles Sobhraj's early life was characterized by instability and displacement. After his parents' separation, he moved to France with his mother and new stepfather. This period marked the beginning of his criminal activities, starting with petty crimes and gradually escalating in severity. His charm and intelligence, combined with a lack of moral compass, made him a formidable con artist.

The Hippie Trail and Reign of Terror

During the 1970s, Sobhraj's criminal career peaked as he exploited the "hippie trail," a popular route for Western backpackers traveling through Southeast Asia. He was a master manipulator, using his charm to gain the trust of unsuspecting tourists. Sobhraj, along with his accomplices, including his girlfriend Marie-Andrée Leclerc, committed a series of crimes across countries like Thailand, Nepal, and India.

His modus operandi often involved befriending travelers, drugging them, and then robbing or killing them. The precise number of his victims remains unclear, but he is believed to have murdered at least a dozen people, though some estimates suggest the number could be higher.

Capture and Imprisonment

Sobhraj's criminal spree eventually led to his arrest. His first significant imprisonment was in India, where he was held on charges of murder. However, his cunning nature was evident even behind bars. He managed to manipulate the legal system to his advantage, extending his stay in prison to avoid extradition to Thailand, where he faced almost certain execution if convicted.