Australian Man Wanted for Massive Robbery Arrested in Pattaya

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Provincial Police Region 8 via Bangkok Post

 

An elaborate hideout in Pattaya has been busted, leading to the arrest of an Australian man wanted for robbing a compatriot of 21 million baht. Thai police identified the suspect as Vasilios, apprehending him in a luxe villa in Bang Lamung on Friday. Officers found, astonishingly, two lions roaming the lavish two-rai property.

 

Vasilios, who also uses the name Billy, was taken into custody by a joint operation between Provincial Police Region 8 and Chon Buri police.

 

The newly revealed details of Vasilios's situation include ownership, via his girlfriend, of the two lions—acquired at staggering prices of one million baht and 700,000 baht, respectively—and a cache of BB guns. Also worth noting is his possession of a Thailand Privilege Card, offering VIP visa status.

 

The intricate case began with complaints from an Australian who claimed robbery of 21 million baht in cash and cryptocurrencies by fellow Australians.

 

The victim alleged brutal threats and identified his assailants as part of a notorious mafia group linked to drugs in Australia. Police reports detail a trail of incidents, starting from a forceful break-in at a Phuket villa, coercing a bank transfer and stealing cash, totaling to a hefty sum.

 

The criminal network, spearheaded by Vasilios, reportedly remained undeterred, chasing the victim down to Koh Samui. There, Vasilios's Thai affiliates compelled the victim to transfer bitcoins worth millions.

 

These misdeeds finally prompted the issuance of arrest warrants across Phuket and Samui, mobilising a police crackdown that halted Vasilios’s opulent Pattaya lifestyle.

 

The operation illustrates a sophisticated international crime web operating with audacity within Thai borders. It underscores the cross-border criminal activities that Thai authorities vigilantly address, reminding the public of the ever-present reach of international crime rings.

 

The details of the case continue to unfold as investigations proceed.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-10

 

 

 

[Celsius]

1 minute ago, webfact said:

Also worth noting is his possession of a Thailand Privilege Card, offering VIP visa status.

 

Yes its definitely worth mentioning that the criminal "background check" is a farce.

[Wayne G]

Bye bye muppet enjoy jail 👍👍

[newbee2022]

9 hours ago, webfact said:

Picture courtesy of Provincial Police Region 8 via Bangkok Post

 

An elaborate hideout in Pattaya has been busted, leading to the arrest of an Australian man wanted for robbing a compatriot of 21 million baht. Thai police identified the suspect as Vasilios, apprehending him in a luxe villa in Bang Lamung on Friday. Officers found, astonishingly, two lions roaming the lavish two-rai property.

 

Vasilios, who also uses the name Billy, was taken into custody by a joint operation between Provincial Police Region 8 and Chon Buri police.

 

The newly revealed details of Vasilios's situation include ownership, via his girlfriend, of the two lions—acquired at staggering prices of one million baht and 700,000 baht, respectively—and a cache of BB guns. Also worth noting is his possession of a Thailand Privilege Card, offering VIP visa status.

 

The intricate case began with complaints from an Australian who claimed robbery of 21 million baht in cash and cryptocurrencies by fellow Australians.

 

The victim alleged brutal threats and identified his assailants as part of a notorious mafia group linked to drugs in Australia. Police reports detail a trail of incidents, starting from a forceful break-in at a Phuket villa, coercing a bank transfer and stealing cash, totaling to a hefty sum.

 

The criminal network, spearheaded by Vasilios, reportedly remained undeterred, chasing the victim down to Koh Samui. There, Vasilios's Thai affiliates compelled the victim to transfer bitcoins worth millions.

 

These misdeeds finally prompted the issuance of arrest warrants across Phuket and Samui, mobilising a police crackdown that halted Vasilios’s opulent Pattaya lifestyle.

 

The operation illustrates a sophisticated international crime web operating with audacity within Thai borders. It underscores the cross-border criminal activities that Thai authorities vigilantly address, reminding the public of the ever-present reach of international crime rings.

 

The details of the case continue to unfold as investigations proceed.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-10

 

 

 

Thank you RTP. Put him down or kick him out

[wombat]

Vasillios...ridgey didge fair dinkum Ozzie name that is.

[Sydebolle]

Vasilios's acquired two lions at a knock-down price of only THB 1.7 million? Goes in line with the BB gun and the Thailand Privilege Card covering all the ever-so-important non-Thai VIPs.

Help me out here, arriving with two lions at - say - swampy and passing customs and, for argument's sake - through the red channel. "Anything to declare?" being Somchai's question is answered "Yes, two lions in my hand luggage, got then at a fantastic rate". "How much" asked Somchai back, reply being "THB 1.7 million" - so Somchai's conclusion must have been "now that's what I call a steal" 😉 

But in other news it is noteworthy, that Pattaya is visited and inhabited by people who celebrate family life, are in town for its temples and enjoy the untainted reputation of what Thailand (not quite) believes is right. 

On a more sombre note; how on Earth can you get two lions into a gated estate without anyone noticing anything, be it customs, transporters or neighbours enjoying the stench or at least the roar? Mind boggling! 

[ftpjtm]

9 hours ago, webfact said:

Also worth noting is his possession of a Thailand Privilege Card, offering VIP visa status.

 

Only criminals can justify paying for the Thailand Privilege Card

[ronster]

Pretty sure will be a member of a biker gang . Why is the logo on his shirt blurred out 🤔

[Briggsy]

4 minutes ago, wombat said:

Vasillios...ridgey didge fair dinkum Ozzie name that is.

Actually, for the last 100 years, it is.

[HK MacPhooey]

Sounds like he got the lion’s share of the robbery proceeds🦁

[harryviking]

18 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Thank you RTP. Put him down or kick him out

BOTH!!! 😆25 years and then out....

[biggles45]

Unfortunately with so much money at his/their disposal I fear that they will just pay up for the problems to disappear. TIT. 

[Mywayboy]

Vasilios great Aussie name 😄 

[Ironmike]

Looks he won't be heading back to Oz anytime soon lock him up then deport him

[shackleton]

When you thought the criminal crimes could not get worse in Thailand 

They do 😱

Not called Amazing Thailand for nothing 

[hotchilli]

10 hours ago, webfact said:

Vasilios, who also uses the name Billy, was taken into custody by a joint operation between Provincial Police Region 8 and Chon Buri police.

Billy no-mates soon