A 30-year-old Ukrainian national wanted in connection with an alleged nominee shareholding scheme on Koh Phangan has been arrested at Samui International Airport after returning to Thailand.
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Immigration officers in Surat Thani, working with Koh Phangan Police and the Central Investigation Bureau, arrested Anatolii Plushev on 8 June 2026 after he arrived on a flight into Samui. He was the subject of an arrest warrant issued by Koh Samui Provincial Court, warrant number 121/2569, dated 21 May 2026.
The arrest stems from the Royal Thai Police operation “Crackdown on Foreign Nominees on Koh Phangan”, launched on 13 and 23 May 2026. The operation targeted businesses suspected of using Thai nationals as nominee shareholders to enable foreign ownership of land and business interests in violation of Thai law.
Investigators gathered evidence leading to arrest warrants for 45 individuals linked to the alleged scheme. Authorities have so far arrested 26 suspects, while 19 remain at large and are being pursued.
According to investigators, Plushev was allegedly involved in submitting false documents to land officials in order to obtain land ownership through a company established using Thai nominee shareholders. He was identified as a shareholder in Rubicon Co., Ltd.
Authorities said the suspect left Thailand before the court approved the arrest warrant. After learning that he intended to return to the country through Samui International Airport, officers monitored his arrival and arrested him immediately upon entry.
During questioning, Plushev confirmed he was the individual named in the warrant. He reportedly told investigators that he became a shareholder alongside his father and helped establish Rubicon Co., Ltd. to acquire land.
The suspect was transferred to investigators at Koh Phangan Police Station for further legal proceedings. The case forms part of a wider government and police effort to combat nominee business structures, illegal land ownership, unlawful business operations and practices that authorities say can affect employment opportunities for Thai citizens in key tourist destinations.
The Daily News reported that further investigations are continuing as police seek to locate and arrest the remaining 19 suspects connected to the case.
Pictures courtesy of Daily News
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 10 June 2026