SURAT THANI — Thai police have arrested a 26-year-old Russian man wanted for his alleged role in a violent cryptocurrency robbery in Phuket, after discovering him hiding in the back seat of a car on Koh Samui. The suspect, identified only as Dmitrii, was detained on Thursday at Nathon Pier following a coordinated operation between Koh Samui and Chalong Police.

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Dmitrii was found curled inside a blue Nissan sedan driven by another Russian national, 25-year-old Stolbov Gleb, shortly after they arrived by ferry from Don Sak. The arrest followed the issuance of a warrant by Phuket Provincial Court on Wednesday, linking Dmitrii to a robbery targeting a fellow Russian expatriate.

According to investigators, Dmitrii allegedly lured a 28-year-old Russian victim to a villa in Chalong on Tuesday under the guise of discussing an investment opportunity. Instead, the victim was ambushed by four men—believed to be Russian nationals—who assaulted him, held him captive, and forced him to transfer cryptocurrency and funds valued at 35,000 USDT (approximately 1.2 million baht). The victim was released after the transaction and later reported the crime to Chalong Police.

Thai police have arrested a 26-year-old Russian man wanted in connection with a violent robbery in Phuket, after finding him hiding in the back seat of a car on Koh Samui.

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Immigration authorities confirmed that the four other suspects are believed to have fled Thailand, while Dmitrii attempted to evade capture by escaping to Koh Samui. After his arrest, he refused to provide a statement during questioning at Koh Samui Police Station and will be transferred to Chalong Police Station in Phuket for further legal proceedings.

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The case highlights growing concerns over cryptocurrency-related crimes targeting foreigners in Thailand’s tourist hotspots. Authorities continue to investigate potential links to broader transnational criminal networks.

-Thailand News (TN)