Was Charles Sobhraj arrested? Details explored ahead of World's Most Notorious Killers on Oxygen

Infamously dubbed "The Serpent," Charles Sobhraj has long intrigued true crime aficionados despite being arrested to be released later. His life has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and dramatizations. Among them are The Serpent (Netflix) and Calculated Crimes (BBC).

Charles Sobhraj's legacy is being brought back to light once again as the Oxygen series World's Most Notorious Killers revisits his criminal exploits, international escapes, and the dubious circumstances surrounding his imprisonment and release.

Coming up in the next episode are his shocking arrests, his decades-long crime spree across Asia, and his claims of innocence. It also raises questions about justice and rehabilitation, making Sobhraj’s story as complex as it is disturbing.

Who is Charles Sobhraj?

The son of Indian and Vietnamese parents, Charles Sobhraj was born in 1944 in Saigon, which is now known as Ho Chi Minh City. His biological father denied his paternity; hence, he was raised by his mother and stepfather who worked as a lieutenant.

Sobhraj committed petty crimes as a teen, and in 1963, he received his first custodial sentence which he served at the Poisy Prison in France. Upon his release, he moved in with d'Escogne and would later be exposed to the criminal underworld of Paris.

Because of his skill in evading capture, Sobhraj became known as "The Serpent" in the 1970s. He targeted travelers on the "hippie trail" in Asia. He moved between countries with ease, and his knowledge of languages and fake identities made this possible. He lured victims with promises of adventure and friendship, pretending to be a gem seller. The real "adventure," unfortunately, was his vicious practice of repeatedly drugging, robbing, and murdering his victims.

In India, Nepal, and Thailand, he committed atrocities that left a path of murder and treachery. Although the number of instances directly involving him was minimal, he is nevertheless suspected of involvement in more than 20 homicides by investigators.

Despite the heinousness of his killings, Sobhraj's appeal helped him influence accomplices and take advantage of legal loopholes. His life mirrored an actual thriller.

Detention, prosecution, and the pursuit of justice

Like his crimes, Sobhraj's arrest history is complicated. After being associated with multiple murders in Asia, his 1976 arrest in India stemmed from accusations of poisoning a group of tourists. His 1986 prison break solidified his place in history. He avoided extradition to Thailand, where he faced the death penalty, with a daring escape, which led to a longer sentence.

Sobhraj returned to France after his release in 1997 and lived a free man till his demons from his past haunted him in Nepal. A journalist spotted him in Kathmandu in 2003 leading to his arrest for the 1975 killings of Connie Jo Bronzich and Laurent Carrière.

A life sentence was the result of his trial, which garnered attention from around the world. But Sobhraj maintained his innocence, saying the evidence was false. His statements in interviews, including one with AFP, were as follows:

"I am innocent in those cases, okay? It was built on fake documents.”

Release and controversies surrounding his freedom

After serving 19 years in Nepal’s Central Jail, Sobhraj was released in December 2022. The Supreme Court of Nepal cited his advanced age—78 at the time—and deteriorating health as reasons for his early release. He was deported to France, where he remains a free man.

Speaking to AFP aboard the plane that carried him out of Nepal, Sobhraj appeared confident and defiant.

“I feel great,” he said. “I have a lot to do. I have to sue a lot of people. Including the state of Nepal.”

His release reignited debates about justice. Despite his age or even his health, many questioned if someone linked to so many deaths should have been freed. Sobhraj's ongoing denial of guilt has only polarized opinions even more. So, his case became even more complicated than before.

World’s Most Notorious Killers: Revisiting The Serpent’s Legacy

Oxygen’s World’s Most Notorious Killers takes a closer look at Sobhraj’s crimes, trials, and the psychological profile that made him one of the most infamous figures in criminal history.

The episode includes expert commentary, testimonies from investigators, and archival materials. All of this intends to unravel his web of lies and manipulation.

Unlike previous programs, this documentary focuses on separating facts from fiction. It highlights the brutality of his crimes and how the latter ended up allowing him to remain free for too long.

Sobhraj’s interview clips, where he denies the murders he was convicted for, offer insight into the mind of a man who views himself not as a predator, but as a victim of legal injustice.

Why does Charles Sobhraj’s story still captivate viewers?

Decades after his first arrest, Charles Sobhraj remains a figure of fascination and fear. His ability to charm and deceive, combined with his willingness to exploit trust, makes his crimes particularly chilling.

Meanwhile, serious concerns regarding rehabilitative justice and legal responsibility are brought up by his case. Did the international justice system make a mistake in releasing him? Is his unwavering denial of guilt an indication of sincere faith, or is it just another attempt at manipulation?

As World’s Most Notorious Killers revisits his life, it forces audiences to confront these questions—and to examine why figures like Sobhraj continue to haunt the public imagination long after their crimes have ended.