PHUKET – In a significant international security operation, Thai cyber police have apprehended a suspected Russian military intelligence officer in Phuket following a coordinated investigation with the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation. The 35-year-old foreign national, identified by international media as Aleksey Lukashev of GRU Unit 26165, was arrested this week and faces extradition to the United States on multiple cybercrime charges.

Major Cyberattack Disrupts Flights Across European Airports

The suspect had been under surveillance since his arrival in Phuket on October 30, with Thai authorities acting on intelligence provided by the FBI. Officers from Thailand’s Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau executed a Criminal Court search warrant at his Thalang district hotel, seizing laptops, mobile phones, and digital wallets. FBI representatives observed the operation as the evidence was collected for forensic analysis.

Thai cyber police arrested a 35 year old Russian hacker in Phuket in a joint operation with the FBI. Officials say he arrived on October 30 and was tracked to a hotel in the Thalang District where officers seized laptops, phones, and digital wallet devices. Independent reporting… pic.twitter.com/lHwCUdyG2r

— Sam (@5oclockhere) November 14, 2025

International reports identify the detained individual as a senior lieutenant within the GRU hacking unit known as APT28 or “Fancy Bear,” wanted for his alleged involvement in major global cyber operations. These include the 2016 hacking of Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign and cyber activities connected to the Skripal poisonings in the United Kingdom. The suspect remains on the FBI’s Most Wanted list for conspiracy to commit computer intrusions, identity theft, and money laundering.

Russian Man Arrested at Phuket Airport for Alleged Cyber Fraud

The arrest coincides with Thailand’s broader anti-cybercrime initiative, Operation 293, which has recovered over 14 million baht in stolen cryptocurrency. The suspect is currently detained in Thailand as extradition proceedings move forward, marking a substantial development in international cooperation against transnational cyber threats.

-Thailand News (TN)