About The Serpent

Bangkok, 1975: Dutch diplomat Herman Knippenberg investigates the disappearance of a young couple who were last seen alive at the apartment of gem dealer Charles Sobhraj.

Bangkok, 1975: Dutch diplomat Herman Knippenberg investigates the disappearance of a young couple who were last seen alive at the apartment of gem dealer Charles Sobhraj.

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The Serpent

On Tuesday, July 2nd at 10:00 PM, the highly anticipated miniseries "The Serpent" will premiere on the Viasat True Crime channel. This gripping, fact - based series, consisting of five episodes, takes viewers on a journey through the dark corners of 1970s South Asia, unveiling the story of one of the era's most ruthless criminals, Charles Sobhraj.

The Dark Figure - Charles Sobhraj

Charles Sobhraj, also known as "The Serpent," was a French criminal who gained infamy in 1975 - 1976 as a ruthles s con artist and murderer. His victims, primarily young tourists traveling the Asian "hippie trail," were lured to his apartment, where they were drugged and robbed. Sadly, many never returned from this terrifying ordeal. Sobhraj earned the nickname "The S erpent" due to his ability to evade capture for a long time and his manipulative skills, which allowed him to deceive both his victims and the investigators pursuing him.

A Complex Web of Crimes and Lies

The series begins in Bangkok in 1975, when Dutch dip lomat Herman Knippenberg (played by Billy Howle) starts investigating the disappearance of a young Dutch couple. The last place these tourists were seen was the apartment of Charles Sobhraj (Tahar Rahim), who posed as a gem dealer. As Herman delves deeper into the case, he uncovers an increasingly intricate web of Sobhraj's criminal activities, and his determination to bring justice intensifies.

Determination and Courage

Herman, supported by his wife Angela (Ellie Bamber), begins to collaborate with police officers from around the world and witnesses of Sobhraj's dangerous manipulations, such as Nadine (Mathilde Warnier) and Remi Gires (Grégoire Isvarine). Young Frenchman Dominique Renelleau also becomes a key witness as he attempts to escape from Sobhraj's terrifying hideout. Through their testimonies, Herman realizes the scale of "The Serpent's" crimes.

Bloody Journeys and Dangerous Investigations

Charles Sobhraj, along with his girlfriend Marie - Andrée Leclerc (Jenna Coleman), continues his criminal activit ies, traveling through Thailand, Nepal, and India. Out of love for Charles, Marie - Andrée abandons her previous life but soon discovers the chilling secrets of her partner. As Herman Knippenberg puts increasing pressure on the Thai police, Charles perfects his escape plans. The ultimate intellectual battle between Herman and Charles leads to the issuance of an international arrest warrant, spanning several continents.

Behind the Scenes of the Series

"The Serpent" was filmed in London and Bangkok, with produc tion taking place from October 6, 2019, to March 20, 2020, and from August 17 to 28, 2020, with a break caused by the COVID - 19 pandemic. Jenna Coleman, who portrays Marie - Andrée Leclerc, initially had doubts about taking the role, suggesting a French actre ss be cast instead. Ellie Bamber, playing Angela Knippenberg, had to learn to speak with a German accent and in Thai.

The True Fates of the Characters

After many years of evasion and crime, Charles Sobhraj was eventually captured and sentenced to life impr isonment in Nepal. Marie - Andrée Leclerc, Sobhraj's faithful companion, died of cancer in 1984. Thanks to his determination and courage, Herman Knippenberg became one of the key figures responsible for capturing one of the most wanted criminals of that era.

We cordially invite you to the premiere of the miniseries "The Serpent" on July 2nd at 10:00 PM on the Viasat True Crime channel. Subsequent episodes will air every Tuesday at 10:00 PM. Immerse yourself in the dark world of Charles Sobhraj, the con artist and murderer whose cold - blooded crimes shocked the world. Will Herman Knippenberg be able to break through the web of lies and deceit to bring justice? What secrets lie in the dark corners of South Asia?

Charles Sobhraj, a man of many faces, mercilessly m anipulated and took the lives of innocent tourists. Are you brave enough to embark on a journey where every moment holds deadly danger? This thrilling story will reveal the true face of evil. Discover that reality can be more terrifying than fiction. Will you uncover all the secrets before it’s too late? Don’t miss this dark and mysterious series that will stay with you for a long time.

STEP INTO A WORLD SHROUDED IN MYSTERY AND DECEIT