Russian arrested for withdraws from mule accounts
Police from the Phuket Provincial Police Investigation Division confirmed the arrest of Anton Kurchenko, 41, at an apartment in Rawai on Sunday (Apr 20).
Russian national Anton Kurchenko, 41, was arrested by Phuket Provincial Police at an apartment in Rawai on Sunday, April 20, for his alleged role in withdrawing funds from mule accounts linked to technology-related crimes. The arrest followed a warrant from the Surat Thani Provincial Court and involved charges including aiding public fraud, inputting false computer data, and illegal use of another person’s electronic card.
Withdrawals and Financial Impact
Investigators determined Kurchenko conducted 16 cash withdrawals totaling B331,000 from mule accounts at ATMs in the Chalong area, including one at a Mini Big C branch on Soi Ta-iad.
Police connected these transactions to at least 16 case files, with combined damages estimated at B795,367. Officers said the broader network’s losses may reach B1 million.
Investigation and Ongoing Efforts
The operation was overseen by Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum, with the investigation led by Pol Lt Col Sophanat Nayaw.
Kurchenko was described as acting as a “money mule,” responsible for withdrawing and transferring illicit funds for a larger fraud network. He has been transferred to Kanchanadit Police Station in Surat Thani for further proceedings, while authorities continue to pursue additional suspects.
Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/russian-arrested-for-withdraws-from-mule-accounts-99969.php
