Immigration police have arrested a 33-year-old Indonesian man, identified only as Mr William, at the airport, after tracking him to a luxury resort in Phuket on 24 April 2026. He is accused of being a key figure in a hybrid scam network targeting victims across continents, with losses in the United States alone exceeding 10 million USD. The suspect was wanted under a US arrest warrant and an Interpol Red Notice.
Get today's headlines by email 
The operation was carried out by officers from the Immigration Bureau’s Investigation Division 3 in coordination with Phuket Immigration. Acting on intelligence, authorities located the suspect hiding in the province and moved in to verify his passport and identity before taking him into custody. His visa exemption status as a tourist was revoked under Section 12(7) of the Immigration Act BE 2522, which bars entry to individuals deemed a threat.
The arrest follows a policy drive led by National Police Chief Pol Gen Kittirat Phanphet and Deputy Chief Pol Gen Samran Nuanma to crack down on transnational crime and illegal foreign nationals operating in Thailand. Immigration Bureau Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Phanumart Boonyalak and senior officers directed the coordinated effort after receiving intelligence linking the suspect to a scam syndicate based in the United Arab Emirates.
Authorities allege that between 2022 and 2026, the suspect worked with accomplices to run cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes. Victims were approached through dating applications, social media and other online platforms, where attractive individuals were hired to build trust via video calls in a romance scam format. Once relationships were established, victims were persuaded to invest in fake platforms that displayed fabricated profits.
Officials warn that hybrid scams combining multiple deception techniques are increasingly sophisticated and difficult to detect. Thai police reiterated advice for the public to verify information carefully before making financial transactions, particularly those involving online investments or unfamiliar contacts.
Thaitabloid reported that the suspect has been transferred for further identity verification and legal processing. Thai authorities confirmed ongoing cooperation with international law enforcement agencies and are expected to pursue extradition procedures in line with the US warrant and Interpol coordination.
Related stories
Korean-fugitive-on-interpol-red-notice-arrested-in-Bangkok
Canadian-drug-suspect-arrested-at-Suvarnabhumi-airport
Join the discussion? 
Already a member? 
Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 26 Apr 2026