Russian fugitive arrested at luxury villa in Phuket

Thai immigration authorities have arrested a Russian national wanted under an Interpol Red Notice after locating him at a luxury villa in Phuket.

The suspect, identified only as Igor, was detained by Immigration Division 6 officers working with Phuket Immigration Police. Authorities said investigators had been monitoring his movements before intercepting him as he stepped out of the villa late on Saturday morning.

According to Russian law enforcement records cited in the source report, Igor is accused of being a key member of a document forgery ring that defrauded companies of more than 150 million baht.

In 2024, the group allegedly falsified procurement and shipping documents to siphon off more than 80 million baht. The following year, it allegedly fabricated production records for non-existent goods, causing a further 70 million baht in losses.

Authorities said Igor will face extradition proceedings under international protocols. The arrest reflects ongoing cooperation between Thai authorities and international law enforcement agencies in pursuing fugitives in Thailand.