Intimidated Russian couple ask Royal Thai police to join Thailand’s Witness Protection Programme

[webfact]

37-year-old Kazakh national Andrey Nizhegorodtsev (right centre) was arrested by the Royal Thai Police on Wednesday afternoon in the Bang Lamung district of Chonburi and brought to Ko Samui, on foot of a Provincial Court arrest warrant. He was positively identified by 31-year-old Evgenii Abdullin as one of six men who extorted $50,000 from the Russian and his wife at a café in the Taling-ngam area of Ko Samui (inset bottom) by transferring cryptocurrency on Thursday, September 15th (inset). The six-member gang, driving a black van, later cashed in the cryptocurrency at a foreign exchange kiosk on the island (inset).

 

by James Morris and Son Nguyen

Ongoing investigation in Ko Samui but the arrested suspect brought from Chonburi is reported to be tight-lipped and unwilling to give police further information. The request by the victims for protection under the Witness Protection Programme is thought to be linked to suspected Russian mafia involvement in the intimidation and extortion of Mr and Mrs Abdullin.

A Russian couple who were extorted by what is thought to have been a gang with links to the Russian mafia has applied to join Thailand’s Witness Protection Programme even as police revealed the arrest of two people in connection with the extortion of $50,000 from 31-year-old Mr Evgenii Abdullin and his wife Ekaterina on Ko Samui on September 15th last and subsequent intimidation. One of those arrested is a Kazakh national detained by police on Wednesday afternoon in Chonburi while a 35-year-old Ukrainian man was also arrested on the island in Surat Thani.

 

The Russian couple who reported being extorted by a gang of six men to Ko Samui police on Monday has applied to Thailand’s Ministry of Justice looking to join the country’s witness protection programme.

 

Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/09/29/russian-couple-ask-for-witness-protection-ko-samui-evgenii-abdullin/

 

-- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-09-30

 

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[RichardColeman]

Witness protection ? In Thailand ? They wont stick out much ! Can't see that deal happening unless they have far more info on the Russian mafia than they are saying

[wensiensheng]

This has to be a joke. Five hundred baht paid and their details would be given up in a nano second.

[Inala]

Does Thailand actually have a witness protection program? As Caucasians, how would they be incognito anywhere in Thailand?

I think they would probably have a better chance of survival returning to Russia and joining Putin's general mobilisation than they will have in Thailand's witness protection program, if in fact one is available.

[4MyEgo]

They obviously have a lot of faith in the Thai system, didn't even know they had a witness protection system.

 

Brown envelope exchanging hands, where are they, they are staying at such and such address, ok, ring Somchai and tell him to go for a leak, job will be over real quick.

 

Also, I hope this doesn't turn out to be another Indian chain thing with the ladyboys, because in no time their will be lots of Russians saying the same story.

 

 

[Chris Renaix]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

The six-member gang, driving a black van, later cashed in the cryptocurrency at a foreign exchange kiosk on the island (inset).

And how did they do that??  Virtual currency, materially presented at a foreign exchange kiosk?  Seems to me  this is factual incorrect.

[OneMoreFarang]

13 minutes ago, Inala said:

Does Thailand actually have a witness protection program? As Caucasians, how would they be incognito anywhere in Thailand?

Some time ago I read about Thai witness protection. I think the maximum possible protection time was one year. Maximum!

And I am pretty sure the Thai authorities are not willing to pay for luxury living - especially for that couple.

Summary: Forget about it!

[Jonathan Swift]

14 minutes ago, Inala said:

Does Thailand actually have a witness protection program? As Caucasians, how would they be incognito anywhere in Thailand?

I think they would probably have a better chance of survival returning to Russia and joining Putin's general mobilisation than they will have in Thailand's witness protection program, if in fact one is available.

For those too lazy to search and would prefer to make snide and ignorant remarks, here are a few facts, just one paragraph from the document of the Special Witness Protection Bureau:

 

The Law “the Witness Protection Act BE 2546” (2003) provides for two strategies. 1. General Provision Strategy This is the more common strategy. According to the Section 6 of the Act, in a case where a witness loses his or her security, a competent official from criminal investigation, interrogation, prosecution or the Witness Protection Bureau, as the case may be, shall desire for the witness protection measures as deemed appropriate or as requested by the witness or other concerned party. Where necessary, the said person may request a police officer or other official for protection and this must be subject to the witness’s consent. Protection measures may include arrangements for a safe place for the witness; or change of name/ family name, domicile, identification, and information that would reveal the identity of the witness as appropriate, and the personal status of the witness and the nature of the Criminal case. The protection of witnesses in general doesn’t apply to the witness only but can also be used for those related to the witness. In a case where a witness’s husband, wife, progenitor, descendant, or person with a close relationship to the witness is affected by the person becoming a witness and would lose security, he/she may request the competent official to design or arrange for measures as deemed appropriate, taking into account the consent of that person. Protection measures may include arrangements for a safe place for the witness; or change of name/ family name, domicile, identification, and information that would reveal the identity of the witness as deemed appropriate, and the personal status of the witness and also the nature of the criminal case. 2. Special Protection Measures A witness in the following [types of] cases may be eligible for the privilege of special protection measures: – A case under the law on narcotic drugs, money laundering law, anti-corruption law, or customs law. – A case related to national security under the Penal Code. – A sexual offence under the Penal Code relating to the luring of a person for the sexual gratification of another. – A criminal offence in the nature of organized crime under the Penal Code, including any crime committed by a criminal group with a well-established and complicated network. – A case punishable with at least ten years of imprisonment. – A case that the Witness Protection Bureau deems appropriate to arrange for protection. Whenever there are explicit circumstances or suspicion that a witness has lost his/her security, the witness or other concerned party, a competent investigation official, competent interrogation official or competent criminal case prosecution official shall apply to the Minister of Justice or his appointed official to arrange for special protection measures, subject to the witness’s consent.

[4MyEgo]

4 minutes ago, Jonathan Swift said:

For those too lazy to search and would prefer to make snide and ignorant remarks, sorry to spoil your fun, here are a few facts, just one paragraph from the document of the Special Witness Protection Bureau:

In case you haven't been told, I'm entitled to my opinion, like it or not !

 

You must like in another world, this place is full of corruption, you obviously live somewhere where you don't get out much, and or have ever exchange money between those so called law abiding cops.

 

[plus7]

As you see the gang consist of russians, kazakh and ukrainians.

Bad, but still the way to show that nations can be friends!

[sammieuk1]

Putin needs you deport him end of story ????

[Inala]

9 minutes ago, Jonathan Swift said:

For those too lazy to search and would prefer to make snide and ignorant remarks, sorry to spoil your fun, here are a few facts, just one paragraph from the document of the Special Witness Protection Bureau:

 

The Law “the Witness Protection Act BE 2546” (2003) provides for two strategies. 1. General Provision Strategy This is the more common strategy. According to the Section 6 of the Act, in a case where a witness loses his or her security, a competent official from criminal investigation, interrogation, prosecution or the Witness Protection Bureau, as the case may be, shall desire for the witness protection measures as deemed appropriate or as requested by the witness or other concerned party. Where necessary, the said person may request a police officer or other official for protection and this must be subject to the witness’s consent. Protection measures may include arrangements for a safe place for the witness; or change of name/ family name, domicile, identification, and information that would reveal the identity of the witness as appropriate, and the personal status of the witness and the nature of the Criminal case. The protection of witnesses in general doesn’t apply to the witness only but can also be used for those related to the witness. In a case where a witness’s husband, wife, progenitor, descendant, or person with a close relationship to the witness is affected by the person becoming a witness and would lose security, he/she may request the competent official to design or arrange for measures as deemed appropriate, taking into account the consent of that person. Protection measures may include arrangements for a safe place for the witness; or change of name/ family name, domicile, identification, and information that would reveal the identity of the witness as deemed appropriate, and the personal status of the witness and also the nature of the criminal case. 2. Special Protection Measures A witness in the following [types of] cases may be eligible for the privilege of special protection measures: – A case under the law on narcotic drugs, money laundering law, anti-corruption law, or customs law. – A case related to national security under the Penal Code. – A sexual offence under the Penal Code relating to the luring of a person for the sexual gratification of another. – A criminal offence in the nature of organised crime under the Penal Code, including any crime committed by a criminal group with a well-established and complicated network. – A case punishable with at least ten years of imprisonment. – A case that the Witness Protection Bureau deems appropriate to arrange for protection. Whenever there are explicit circumstances or suspicion that a witness has lost his/her security, the witness or other concerned party, a competent investigation official, competent interrogation official or competent criminal case prosecution official shall apply to the Minister of Justice or his appointed official to arrange for special protection measures, subject to the witness’s consent.

You've now responded to three separate posts with exactly the same cut and pasted reply, as if somehow constant parroting of the Thai law somehow makes it legitimate and rigidly enforceable. But for those who live in the real world, we all know this is Thailand and written laws are often completely worthless. You know, like how there is not supposed to be any corruption in the police force or prostitution in Pattaya.....   

Additionally, you're deliberately overlooking the obvious complexity in this case....these are foreign nationals, obviously Caucasian in appearance, applying for witness protection in an Asian country which happens to be one of the most corrupt of all. It is the irony of it all that has people most amused....   

[Thomas KH]

Not sure how effective such a strategy would be in light of them being very easily identifiable in Thailand and the extent of exposure generated by local and international media.

 

If safety is indeed at grave risk, best way forward would be to consider applying for a change of name in Russia. Google says it's possible to do this by deed poll. Certainly they can afford it.

 

Alternative is to lead a covert life, live less ostentatiously, and brag/flaunt less.

 

[KIngsofisaan]

Putin can hide him in the front lines somewhere

[ftpjtm]

7 minutes ago, Inala said:

You've now responded to three separate posts with exactly the same cut and pasted reply, as if somehow constant parroting of the Thai law somehow makes it legitimate and rigidly enforceable. But for those who live in the real world, we all know this is Thailand and written laws are often completely worthless. You know, like how there is not supposed to be any corruption in the police force or prostitution in Pattaya.....   

Additionally, you're deliberately overlooking the obvious complexity in this case....these are foreign nationals, obviously Caucasian in appearance, applying for witness protection in an Asian country which happens to be one of the most corrupt of all. It is the irony of it all that has people most amused....   

Well stated, pretty much how I was about to respond. 

 

Let me add that in addition to board members who don't trust Thai Police, law enforcement, and the Thai criminal justice system, I personally don't know a single Thai who trusts any of them either. 

[ezzra]

Wouldn't they stick out like a sore thumb if they will give them new ID's with Thai names?...

[mikeymike100]

42 minutes ago, Inala said:

You've now responded to three separate posts with exactly the same cut and pasted reply, as if somehow constant parroting of the Thai law somehow makes it legitimate and rigidly enforceable. But for those who live in the real world, we all know this is Thailand and written laws are often completely worthless. You know, like how there is not supposed to be any corruption in the police force or prostitution in Pattaya.....   

Additionally, you're deliberately overlooking the obvious complexity in this case....these are foreign nationals, obviously Caucasian in appearance, applying for witness protection in an Asian country which happens to be one of the most corrupt of all. It is the irony of it all that has people most amused....   

Totally agree with you, just proves there is always one who thinks he konws best?

[Tropposurfer]

Am I working under a misapprehension here? Or ... was it back around 2010'ish that the Eastern Euro mafia's began a concerted effort to dig in like ticks in Pattaya and take over part of the illegal trades that flourish there?

I seem to remember (pre-emigration by me) the RTP made short work of these groups and showed a no-mercy and violent intervention style with them and ran them out of town more or less.

 

I would like to see any sort of imported, as well as localised organised gang activity treated in the same manner here on 'our' (oops) 'the' island.

This extends to the taxi mafia's, the hi-so land grabbers, and the tamban's who grift so effectively in this parasitic relationship at local level. But, in the vein of my two-feet-planted-firmly-on-the-ground A.N. fellows ... I doubt that will ever become a policing and socialised norm.

Like my fellows I see the reality of Thai culture (and the worlds diaspora's) and how while there are many fine and morally directed folks there are as many living in absolute polarity to that.

 

As to these folks hoping for some 'effective' asylum here that seems a rather nebulous, hazy matter (am I being too pessimistic? or projecting too heavily in my remark?).

(I refer to what to me seems very realistic postings by others here to inform this) simply being in an often too-corrupt, and a crippled-by-it social system that underpins and supports that parasitism / symbiosis.

What if anything i.e. asylum or law enforcement intervention of foreign gang anarchy is ever truly possible either short of long term here or anywhere? 

[bstafford214]

2 hours ago, RichardColeman said:

Witness protection ? In Thailand ? They wont stick out much ! Can't see that deal happening unless they have far more info on the Russian mafia than they are saying

They need to bribe the police first, get that envelope ready. Why don't they just go back to their home country?

[swm59nj]

Could be a new option for expats to avoid those visa rules and fees

[wensiensheng]

1 hour ago, Jonathan Swift said:

For those too lazy to search and would prefer to make snide and ignorant remarks, sorry to spoil your fun, here are a few facts, just one paragraph from the document of the Special Witness Protection Bureau:

 

The Law “the Witness Protection Act BE 2546” (2003) provides for two strategies. 1. General Provision Strategy This is the more common strategy. According to the Section 6 of the Act, in a case where a witness loses his or her security, a competent official from criminal investigation, interrogation, prosecution or the Witness Protection Bureau, as the case may be, shall desire for the witness protection measures as deemed appropriate or as requested by the witness or other concerned party. Where necessary, the said person may request a police officer or other official for protection and this must be subject to the witness’s consent. Protection measures may include arrangements for a safe place for the witness; or change of name/ family name, domicile, identification, and information that would reveal the identity of the witness as appropriate, and the personal status of the witness and the nature of the Criminal case. The protection of witnesses in general doesn’t apply to the witness only but can also be used for those related to the witness. In a case where a witness’s husband, wife, progenitor, descendant, or person with a close relationship to the witness is affected by the person becoming a witness and would lose security, he/she may request the competent official to design or arrange for measures as deemed appropriate, taking into account the consent of that person. Protection measures may include arrangements for a safe place for the witness; or change of name/ family name, domicile, identification, and information that would reveal the identity of the witness as deemed appropriate, and the personal status of the witness and also the nature of the criminal case. 2. Special Protection Measures A witness in the following [types of] cases may be eligible for the privilege of special protection measures: – A case under the law on narcotic drugs, money laundering law, anti-corruption law, or customs law. – A case related to national security under the Penal Code. – A sexual offence under the Penal Code relating to the luring of a person for the sexual gratification of another. – A criminal offence in the nature of organized crime under the Penal Code, including any crime committed by a criminal group with a well-established and complicated network. – A case punishable with at least ten years of imprisonment. – A case that the Witness Protection Bureau deems appropriate to arrange for protection. Whenever there are explicit circumstances or suspicion that a witness has lost his/her security, the witness or other concerned party, a competent investigation official, competent interrogation official or competent criminal case prosecution official shall apply to the Minister of Justice or his appointed official to arrange for special protection measures, subject to the witness’s consent.

So many good laws on Thailands statute books. But not many stand the test of effective implementation. But good to know the theory of the situation, if not the reality.

 

thanks for not being lazy so that I can make snide informed remarks. ????????

 

just kidding, no need to go off on one.

[steven100]

1 hour ago, Jonathan Swift said:

For those too lazy to search and would prefer to make snide and ignorant remarks, sorry to spoil your fun, here are a few facts, just one paragraph from the document of the Special Witness Protection Bureau:

how many time are you going to post that useless info Jonathan  ?   

[steven100]

" Thailand’s Witness Protection Programme "

 

     I think this has been accidently posted in the wrong Forum topic ......    it should be in the worst jokes ever forum topic. 

[AlQaholic]

1 hour ago, Jonathan Swift said:

For those too lazy to search and would prefer to make snide and ignorant remarks, here are a few facts, just one paragraph from the document of the Special Witness Protection Bureau:

 

The Law “the Witness Protection Act BE 2546” (2003) provides for two strategies. 1. General Provision Strategy This is the more common strategy. According to the Section 6 of the Act, in a case where a witness loses his or her security, a competent official from criminal investigation, interrogation, prosecution or the Witness Protection Bureau, as the case may be, shall desire for the witness protection measures as deemed appropriate or as requested by the witness or other concerned party. Where necessary, the said person may request a police officer or other official for protection and this must be subject to the witness’s consent. Protection measures may include arrangements for a safe place for the witness; or change of name/ family name, domicile, identification, and information that would reveal the identity of the witness as appropriate, and the personal status of the witness and the nature of the Criminal case. The protection of witnesses in general doesn’t apply to the witness only but can also be used for those related to the witness. In a case where a witness’s husband, wife, progenitor, descendant, or person with a close relationship to the witness is affected by the person becoming a witness and would lose security, he/she may request the competent official to design or arrange for measures as deemed appropriate, taking into account the consent of that person. Protection measures may include arrangements for a safe place for the witness; or change of name/ family name, domicile, identification, and information that would reveal the identity of the witness as deemed appropriate, and the personal status of the witness and also the nature of the criminal case. 2. Special Protection Measures A witness in the following [types of] cases may be eligible for the privilege of special protection measures: – A case under the law on narcotic drugs, money laundering law, anti-corruption law, or customs law. – A case related to national security under the Penal Code. – A sexual offence under the Penal Code relating to the luring of a person for the sexual gratification of another. – A criminal offence in the nature of organized crime under the Penal Code, including any crime committed by a criminal group with a well-established and complicated network. – A case punishable with at least ten years of imprisonment. – A case that the Witness Protection Bureau deems appropriate to arrange for protection. Whenever there are explicit circumstances or suspicion that a witness has lost his/her security, the witness or other concerned party, a competent investigation official, competent interrogation official or competent criminal case prosecution official shall apply to the Minister of Justice or his appointed official to arrange for special protection measures, subject to the witness’s consent.

I'm sure this act is enforced in the same diligent way that traffic laws are enforced in Thailand:)

[plus7]

I hope witness protection for farangs lifts obligation of "90-day reporting" ????

[kingstonkid]

2 hours ago, Inala said:

You've now responded to three separate posts with exactly the same cut and pasted reply, as if somehow constant parroting of the Thai law somehow makes it legitimate and rigidly enforceable. But for those who live in the real world, we all know this is Thailand and written laws are often completely worthless. You know, like how there is not supposed to be any corruption in the police force or prostitution in Pattaya.....   

Additionally, you're deliberately overlooking the obvious complexity in this case....these are foreign nationals, obviously Caucasian in appearance, applying for witness protection in an Asian country which happens to be one of the most corrupt of all. It is the irony of it all that has people most amused....   

I would not say most corrupt.  I think central America and some African countries have that title.

 

I would agree that it is corrupt enough that like many countries money talks.

 

How do you change their identities when passports are needed and they have to report to immigration.

 

No mention is made of their status so I would imagine they are more interested in staying here than going back to Russia

 

That is probably exactly what they are looking for to stay here.

 

If it was Mafia they would leave them alone until they got back to mother Russia 

[spidermike007]

This could be government sponsored hacking. Though it is likely too small for the kinds of crimes Putin commits daily. 

 

Is there witness protection in Thailand? How does that work? Has anyone's life ever been saved with it? If this is Russian mafia, I would imagine the Bratva scums can get to you anywhere. 

[SAFETY FIRST]

I can take care of the wife. 

I'll keep her safe, out of harms way. 

 

[SAFETY FIRST]

3 hours ago, Inala said:

Does Thailand actually have a witness protection program?

Yes, RedBull, Boss is part of the protection program. 

It's a great program, works well for Boss. 

[WebGuy]

I didn't know crypto could be cashed out in one of the exchange currency kiosks.