A 29-year-old French national wanted under an Interpol Red Notice has been arrested in Phuket and is being prepared for extradition to Luxembourg, Thai police announced.
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The arrest took place on 2 July 2026 during a joint operation involving officers from the Provincial Police Region 8 Investigation Division, the Immigration Bureau Investigation Division and Phuket Immigration. The operation was carried out under the direction of senior police officers including Pol. Maj. Gen. Lertchai Jampathong, commander of the Provincial Police Region 8 Investigation Division.
The suspect, identified as Mr Chirrane Yanis, a French citizen, was detained outside a hotel in Patong, Kathu district, Phuket. Authorities said he was the subject of an Interpol Red Notice issued at the request of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
According to police, Mr Yanis is wanted on multiple serious charges. These include membership of a criminal organisation, money laundering involving assets or proceeds derived from criminal activity, kidnapping, unlawful detention, hostage-taking, armed robbery committed by two or more offenders, as well as extortion and blackmail.
Following his arrest, officers transferred the suspect to Phuket Immigration for further legal procedures. Thai authorities said preparations are under way to extradite him to Luxembourg, where he is wanted to face the allegations.
The operation was led by officers including Acting Pol. Lt. Col. Theerachai Hasso, inspector attached to the Provincial Police Region 8 Investigation Division, and Pol. Lt. Apirat Yanarat, deputy inspector from Investigation Division 1 of the same command. The arrest formed part of cooperation between regional police investigators and immigration authorities in locating internationally wanted fugitives.
The case highlights continued cooperation between Thai law enforcement agencies and international policing partners in executing Interpol Red Notices and processing extradition requests involving suspects accused of transnational organised crime.
Amarin reported that as the extradition process moves forward, the suspect will remain in the custody of Thai immigration authorities while the legal procedures required for his transfer to Luxembourg are completed.
Picture courtesy of Amarin
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 3 July 2026