KOH SAMUI – A Russian national wanted for extorting over 1 million roubles from a CEO in his home country has been arrested on Koh Samui. The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Sibgatullin Airat, was detained by Thai immigration authorities using biometric tracking technology after a request from the Russian Embassy, the Bangkok Post reported.

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Airat was located at a luxury resort in Bo Phut, where he was staying with his girlfriend, and was apprehended by the pool. Despite frequently changing accommodations, his whereabouts were traced through advanced biometric systems. Following the arrest, his Thai stay permit was revoked and an investigation has been initiated.

The case stems from alleged extortion activities between November 2023 and November 2024, involving Airat and three other Russian nationals. They are accused of threatening a prominent automotive company CEO with the release of damaging information, coercing a payment exceeding 1 million roubles. After Russian federal police issued arrest warrants, cooperation with Thai authorities led to Airat’s capture.

SURAT THANI – Immigration officials have arrested a Russian man wanted for extorting more than 1 million roubles from an automotive company CEO in Russia, using biometric tracking to locate him at a luxury hotel in Koh Samui.

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— Bangkok Post (@BangkokPostNews) January 9, 2026

Pol Lt Gen Phanumat Bunlaksana of the Immigration Bureau highlighted the arrest as part of an intensified nationwide effort to monitor and apprehend foreign criminals operating within Thailand. The public has been encouraged to report suspicious activities through official hotlines.

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Thai authorities are now coordinating with Russian officials to facilitate Airat’s extradition. The case underscores the growing role of international law enforcement cooperation and biometric technology in tracking down fugitives abroad.

-Thailand News (TN)