Russian Held in Brutal Hotel Robbery Linked to Crypto Feud

 

Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Hotnews

 

A Russian man has been apprehended in connection with the violent robbery of another Russian man at a hotel in Karon. The incident, which unfolded this past Sunday, has been linked to an alleged cryptocurrency dispute, underscoring the global reach of digital currency tensions.

 

Andrei Veselov, aged 37, is now in police custody following his involvement in orchestrating the attack on Zelimkhan Iusupov, a 31-year-old fellow Russian national. Authorities, refraining from disclosing the exact circumstances of Veselov's arrest, have confirmed that he is being held for questioning. Pol Lt Col Saranu Chamnanrat has taken a personal interest in the case, leading the investigation and interrogation at Karon Police Station.

 

However, initial attempts to glean information from Veselov have hit a linguistic wall, as his proficiency in English is lacking. Veselov's insistence on consulting with his lawyer before speaking further compounds the delay in uncovering additional details.

 

The harrowing event in question occurred at a hotel located near the bustling Karon Night Market. On that fateful evening, Veselov's accomplice, strongly suspected to be Dmitrii Kuznetsov, 36, allegedly forced entry into Mr Iusupov's room. The confrontation quickly turned violent as Mr Iusupov was viciously assaulted and bound with tape and electrical wire.

 

According to police reports, the motive behind the attack was a cryptocurrency dispute. Kuznetsov, purportedly directed by Veselov, demanded the return of a hefty digital currency sum. This culminated in a menacing demand for US$120,000, roughly 4.5 million Thai Baht, in cryptocurrency, along with threats against Mr Iusupov's life should he fail to comply.

Despite withstanding the intimidation, Mr Iusupov refused to divulge his cryptocurrency wallet access details. Subsequently, Kuznetsov reportedly ransacked Mr Iusupov's possessions, stealing between 50 and 70 $100 bills, equivalent to approximately 170,000 to 240,000 Baht. The brutal encounter left Mr Iusupov unconscious, bound to a bathroom door rail.

 

Remarkably, after regaining consciousness, Mr Iusupov managed to free himself and swiftly reported the incident to local authorities. The assailant, Kuznetsov, had entered Thailand mere hours prior to the attack and fled to Dubai the following morning.

 

Efforts to apprehend Kuznetsov are underway, with Karon Police seeking an Interpol Red Notice to secure his arrest. Meanwhile, Mr Iusupov has relocated to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, presumably seeking safer grounds as the investigation proceeds.

 

This incident not only highlights the personal risks associated with cryptocurrency disputes but also underlines the necessity for enhanced international cooperation in tackling such cross-border criminal activities.

 

-- 2025-01-09

 

 

Another Quality Tourist

On 1/7/2025 at 4:22 AM, bristolgeoff said:

This time it was another russian not a  ladyboy who robbed him

5k in his bag, sounds like drug dealing gone wrong, the perp knew his victim, and the victim called him his rival. 

Rival in what? Drug's, crypto scams, what a great place Pattaya is becoming. 

13 minutes ago, kiwikeith said:

5k in his bag, sounds like drug dealing gone wrong, the perp knew his victim, and the victim called him his rival. 

Rival in what? Drug's, crypto scams, what a great place Pattaya is becoming. 

It was in Phuket......

Why does he have so much cash laying around?

4 hours ago, webfact said:

underscoring the global reach of digital currency tensions.

That´s exactly same as talking about fait currencies global reach and currency tensions as soon as there is a robbery. In other words, have absolutely no meaning.

Seems all these crypto people just love telling everyone how much they have in crypto 🙈

Not in Kansas anymore Dorothy ! 🤐

5 hours ago, webfact said:

The assailant, Kuznetsov, had entered Thailand mere hours prior to the attack and fled to Dubai the following morning.

 

Stricter visa rules are required!

 

 

3 hours ago, scotty1286 said:

It was in Phuket......

 

Oh, same-same! 555

13 hours ago, scotty1286 said:

It was in Phuket......

sorry but they are both becoming bad

Poor, Poor Russian boy. Down here causing trouble anyway! 

putin sheep nothing but criminals and cowards 

Glad to see Phuket being honored for its luxury destination in Thailand. Nothing more welcoming than being found by your local mafia by the Thai/Russian mafia and given your beat down to pay up. 

I like the bit where the police lieutenant colonel is taking an intrest personally himself in this case .couldn't be coz it looks like there is big money at play minimum $120.000

Nice work by the Phuket cops.

 

I wonder what they will receive as a reward.