About The Real Serpent: Investigating a Serial Killer

Countless young westerners went backpacking in Asia in the 1960s and 70s; some of them met a man called Charles Sobhraj. Suspected of dozens of killings, Charles would become known as The Serpent.

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The Real Serpent: Investigating a Serial Killer - a crime documentary on Viasat True Crime

The 2024 British documentary The Real Serpent: Investigating a Serial Killer takes viewers into the dark world of serial killer Charles Sobhraj. During the 1960s and 1970s, countless young Westerners traveled through Asia along the “Hippie Trail.” Some of them crossed paths with Charles Sobhraj—a charming gem dealer who was, in reality, a serial murderer later known as "The Serpent." While some victims were only drugged, losing their passports and money, the less fortunate lost their lives. Recently, Sobhraj, now nearly 80 years old, managed what might be his greatest trick: despite overwhelming odds, he was released from a Nepalese prison where he was serving a life sentence for the murder of two tourists in the 1970s. He remains suspected of killing around 20 people across Asia.

Who is Charles Sobhraj?

Charles Sobhraj, born in 1944 in Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City), was the son of a Vietnamese mother and an Indian father. His tumultuous childhood and complex family relationships heavily influenced his later criminal life. Sobhraj gained international infamy as a serial killer and conman, responsible for the deaths of at least 20 people across Asia. His crimes were meticulously planned, leveraging his charisma and ability to manipulate those around him.

Sobhraj’s criminal history

Sobhraj was a master at gaining the trust of young tourists, whom he would later exploit. He used forged documents, poisons, and drugs to gain control over his victims. Many of his crimes remained unsolved for years, and his skill at evading justice earned him the nickname "The Serpent."

The investigation and arrest

In 1976, Charles Sobhraj was arrested in India after a failed attempt to poison a group of French tourists. After serving his sentence in India, he was deported to France, where he lived a quiet life until his rearrest in 2003 in Nepal. He was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of two tourists in Kathmandu.

The Serpent’s greatest trick

In December 2022, nearly 80-year-old Charles Sobhraj was released from prison in Nepal. This decision sparked widespread controversy and outrage around the world. His release was attributed to health issues and good behavior, although many believe it was yet another cunning manipulation by Sobhraj.

• The Guardian: "Charles Sobhraj, known as The Serpent, is free once again. Released from a Nepalese prison after nearly two decades."
• The New York Times: "Serial killer Charles Sobhraj, a conman and manipulator, returns to France after being freed from a Nepalese prison."
• Le Monde: "The controversial release of Charles Sobhraj, known as The Serpent, sparks reactions worldwide."

Key aspects of the film

In The Real Serpent: Investigating a Serial Killer, viewers will witness a fascinating police investigation, forensic analyses, and an intense crime drama. The documentary delves into both the criminal investigation and the criminal psychology behind Sobhraj’s crimes. It offers the suspense and tension characteristic of the best crime series.

True crime stories worth knowing

If you’re a fan of true crime and fascinated by real criminal stories, The Real Serpent: Investigating a Serial Killer is a must-watch. This crime documentary is an intense crime thriller that will captivate you from the first minute. Don't miss the chance to dive into the world of true crime and learn the story of one of the most elusive murderers of the 20th century.

STEP INTO A WORLD SHROUDED IN MYSTERY AND DECEIT