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

[hotchilli]

46 minutes ago, Sydebolle said:

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! 

With some of this... it also causes blindness

[Plan B]

29 minutes ago, Mywayboy said:

Vasilios great Aussie name 😄 

Of Greek descent 

[Shocked farang]

58 minutes ago, Sydebolle said:

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! 

Heve you forgotten that TIT? 

[Shocked farang]

7 minutes ago, Plan B said:

Of Greek descent 

Yes, directly from Mount Olympus... 

[factual monk]

Such a lavish lifestyle with lions, high walls... bit surprising that it didn't come under the scanner of police before... 

[Free the 115]

1 hour ago, Sydebolle said:

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! 

It doesn’t mention an estate, it says it’s a villa. 
cant see it remaining a secret for so long if Tiddles and Mabel are wandering around unfettered access all areas!

[cynic1]

Hang on gentlemen what about Mr Ferrari. Remember him who is now dead, and most likely killed  by the higher ranking  officials. The RTP cop who according to Thai laws that a cop can claim ownership to ill gotten gains because he busted the criminals. He made more money than this corrupt individual. Go figure!

[off road pat]

1 hour ago, biggles45 said:

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

Far too many law enforcement agencies are involved in this case. Too Many people to pay off !!

[save the frogs]

who in their right mind keeps lions?

how much does it cost to feed those things?

 

[anfh]

If he has access to so much money, how long before he is released without charge ??

[Photoguy21]

Why are people allowed to own such potentially dangerous animals? If they are going to be anywhere then surely a good zoo is the place but ideally left to roam in their native country of Africa.

[Regyai]

31 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

who in their right mind keeps lions?

how much does it cost to feed those things?

 

A tad less than the cost of feeding the local Dibble

[Baba Naba]

He needed the cash for all his ink work! 🙄

[still kicking]

2 hours ago, Briggsy said:

Actually, for the last 100 years, it is.

Yes, I am getting sick of people complaining about names. Australia is a multicultural country, my surname is not English neither are most of the residents. What about those names?  Alex de Minaur,Nick Kyrgios, 

In recent years, Nick Kyrgios and Alex de Minaur have tallied up some of the best results among men from Australia. However, plenty of others are making their mark on the ATP tour.

Here’s a list of the most successful active male tennis players who represent Australia, along with a few key stats.

Player	Age	Birthday	Highest Rank	Titles
Nick Kyrgios	30	April 27, 1995	13	7
Alex de Minaur	26	February 17, 1999	15	6
Christopher O’Connell	30	June 2, 1994	78	0
Jordan Thompson	31	April 20, 1994	43	0
Thanasi Kokkinakis	29	April 10, 1996	69	1
Jason Kubler	31	May 19, 1993	91	0
Alexei Popyrin	25	August 5, 1999	59	1
Aleksandar Vukic	29	April 6, 1996	117	0
John Millman	35	June 14, 1989	33	1
James Duckworth	33	January 21, 1992	46	0
Rinky Hijikata	24	February 23,2001	159	0
Li Tu	28	May 27, 1996	199	0
Max Purcell	27	April 3, 1998	156	0
Omar Jasika	27	May 18, 1997	229	0
Dane Sweeny	24	February 12, 2001	160	0

Without a doubt, Nick Kyrigios is the best and most famous Aussies whose active. Aside from his indisputable talent, Nick has developed a massive fan following for his impressive shot-making and record against top ten players.

Female

On the women’s side, Ashleigh Barty might be one of the few names on the WTA tour that ring a bell, but she retired in 2022 as the most successful female from Australia in recent years.

Luckily, there’s plenty more talent making their way up the ranks. Here’s a list of the top active Australian female tennis players.

Player	Age	Birthday	Highest Rank	Titles
Ajla Tomljanovic	32	May 7, 1993	33	0
Daria Saville	31	March 5, 1994	20	1
Priscilla Hon	26	May 10, 1998	118	0
Jaimee Fourlis	25	Septemer 17, 1999	147	0
Kimberly Birrell	27	April 29, 1998	154	0
Maddison Inglis	27	January 14, 1998	112	0
Olivia Gadecki	23	April 24, 2002	156	0
Astra Sharma	29	September 11, 1995	84	1
Storm Hunter	30	August 11, 1994	119	0
Lizette Cabrera	27	December 19, 1997	139	0
Arina Rodionova	35	December 15, 1989	116	0

Although Daria Saville’s highest rank and title count outshines Ajla Tomljanovic, Ajla has developed a more significant fan following, so she is a better-known player overall. More recently, she also made her way into the spotlight, defeating Serena Williams in the third round of the US Open, Serena’s final WTA appearance before retiring.