PATTAYA —
A Russian journalist was left battered and nearly 2.5 million baht poorer after being kidnapped, assaulted, and extorted by a gang of four fellow Russians in Pattaya.
The victim, identified only as David, a 28-year-old special correspondent for a Russian news agency, arrived at the Pattaya City Police Station around 9pm on June 26. He appeared visibly injured, with bruises and marks from the assault.
Brutal Kidnapping from Hotel Room
David told police, through an interpreter, that around 5am, he was ambushed in his Jomtien hotel room. The gang reportedly used a decoy to gain entry before storming in with guns. They restrained David using police-style handcuffs, blindfolded him with a black bag, and repeatedly struck him with a firearm.
The attackers forced David to call his wife in Bangkok while recording a disturbing video showing him bruised and bloodied. They sent the video, along with threats, demanding ransom and warning her against contacting authorities.
Ransom Demands and Bitcoin Transfer
Fearing for David’s life, his wife agreed to the demands. She delivered a Rolex Daytona watch worth about 600,000 baht to a prearranged location in Bangkok. She also photographed a man in a white T-shirt and black pants believed to be one of the kidnappers collecting the valuables.
However, the gang demanded even more money, insisting David’s wife transfer over 1.9 million baht in Bitcoin to a designated wallet. After securing the ransom, the kidnappers dumped David back in Pattaya, assaulting him again and damaging a vehicle before fleeing, according to Amarin TV.
Investigation Underway
Pattaya City Police have arrested some suspects and are actively pursuing the remaining gang members. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage, tracing the Bitcoin transactions, and collecting witness statements to bring all perpetrators to justice.
The incident has shocked Pattaya’s expat community and raised fresh concerns about violent crimes targeting foreigners in Thailand.
