Pattaya, Thailand – A 33-year-old Russian national wanted on drug-related charges has been apprehended in Pattaya following coordinated efforts between Thai immigration authorities and the Russian Embassy.
Chonburi Immigration Police, acting on a tip-off from the embassy, arrested Mr. Artem Ilichev outside the Sanit Sport Club in Banglamung district. The operation was led by Pol. Col. Napasphong Khositsuriyamanee, Superintendent of the Chonburi Immigration Office, and Pol. Maj. Thong Tonan, head of the investigation unit.
Mr. Ilichev, whose name appears on an Interpol Red Notice, was tracked to the Pong sub-district where he was reportedly residing. Surveillance led officers to the sports club, where he was taken into custody without incident.
During questioning, Ilichev admitted to being the subject of the Interpol notice. Authorities also discovered that his passport had expired 352 days prior. As a result, he faces additional charges under Thai law for illegally residing in the kingdom.
He is currently being held at the Chonburi Immigration Office and will be transferred to Nongprue Police Station for prosecution on immigration violations. Extradition proceedings are being coordinated with the Russian Embassy to return Ilichev to Russia to face the drug-related charges.
