Russian man arrested off Phuket over illegal fishing tours on Telegram
Russian tourist arrested at sea while running illegal fishing tours via Telegram 🚤 Police launched a specialised operation at sea off Chalong Bay, Phuket, Thailand, to apprehend a Russian national, pictured, operating a…
A Russian man was arrested at sea off Chalong Bay in Phuket on May 6 after police said he ran illegal fishing tours advertised through Telegram. Officers intercepted him by patrol boat while he was guiding six other foreign tourists on a fishing excursion, and police said the case stemmed from a targeted operation into unlicensed tour work.
The arrest followed orders from Tourist Police Bureau chief Pol Lt Gen Saksira Puek-am to intensify action against foreigners accused of working in jobs reserved for Thai nationals. Pol Lt Col Ekachai Siri said the investigation began after a complaint was made through the 1155 hotline about tour promotions posted on the messaging app.
Undercover probe led to 3,000-baht test booking
Police said undercover officers spent months infiltrating the Telegram group to gather evidence on the operation.
An undercover agent then booked a fishing trip for 3,000 baht per person before authorities moved in, officials said.
The suspect was charged with operating a tour business without a permit, acting as a guide without a license and working outside the scope of his permitted activities.
Authorities said they will seek revocation of the Russian national’s permission to stay in Thailand and proceed with deportation after legal proceedings are completed.
Police said the case formed part of a joint effort between Tourist Police and the Department of Tourism to protect local employment.
Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/DYG2iRiFmns/
