Russian fugitive arrested in Koh Samui
SURAT THANI — Thai immigration authorities have arrested a Russian fugitive accused of extorting more than 1 million roubles from the CEO of a major automotive company in Russia, after tracking him to a luxury hotel in Koh Samui using biometric technology.
Pol Col Naruwat Phuttawiro, commander of the Surat Thani Immigration Office, said on Friday that the arrest followed a request from the Russian Embassy to detain Sibgatullin Airat, 40, who had fled to Thailand to evade prosecution.
Although the suspect had been frequently changing accommodation to avoid detection, the Immigration Bureau’s biometric system identified him after he checked into a luxury resort in Bo Phut with his girlfriend. Officers arrested him by the pool on Thursday and took him into custody.
Airat’s permission to remain in Thailand has since been revoked, and an official investigation is underway.
According to authorities, Airat and three other Russian nationals carried out an extortion scheme between November 2023 and November 2024. The group allegedly threatened to release damaging information about a major Russian automobile dealership unless the company’s CEO paid more than 1 million roubles (approximately 390,000 baht). The victim reportedly transferred the money out of fear.
Russian federal police later issued arrest warrants for the suspects and coordinated with Thai authorities after confirming that Airat had fled to Thailand.
Pol Lt Gen Phanumat Bunlaksana, commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, said he has ordered immigration offices nationwide to step up enforcement against foreign criminals hiding in the country.
Members of the public can report information about foreign nationals involved in criminal activity by calling the Immigration Bureau hotline at 1178 or the Surat Thani Immigration Office at 077-423440.
