Crime British Fugitives Arrested for Robbery & Fraud, Linked to Nominee Businesses on Koh Samui

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Immigration and crime suppression authorities have arrested two British nationals wanted in the UK for serious criminal offences, including robbery and fraud. The suspects had fled to Thailand and were living on the resort island of Koh Samui, where they were allegedly operating multiple businesses under nominee arrangements.

 

The first suspect, Mr Kieren Daniel Farrer Thornton, aged 38, was apprehended by a joint task force led by Pol Maj Gen Songprod Sirisukha, Commander of Immigration Division 6. Thornton was arrested on 24 May near a pier in Moo 4, Bo Phut subdistrict, Koh Samui, following a warrant issued by Thailand’s Criminal Court (Warrant No. 524/2568, dated 19 May 2025). He is wanted in the UK for armed robbery and is considered a fugitive under international law. He has since been handed over to the Office of the Attorney General’s International Affairs Department for extradition proceedings.

 

The second arrest involved Mr Ashton Kevin Saunders, also known by the alias “Ben Ashton,” aged 37. Saunders had entered Thailand on a tourist visa and presented himself as a high-profile businessman operating in the popular tourist area of Chaweng Beach. Investigations by immigration and the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) revealed that Saunders had previously been convicted of fraud by a UK court and had fled the country to avoid imprisonment.

 

Following his arrest, Thai authorities revoked his permission to remain in the Kingdom, citing his criminal history and status as a wanted individual. Saunders will now be deported back to the United Kingdom to serve his sentence.

 

Authorities also uncovered that Saunders and his family had allegedly established a network of seven companies on Koh Samui using nominees, with Thai nationals registered as shareholders on behalf of foreign owners, a practice considered illegal under Thai law.

 

A search warrant issued by the Koh Samui Provincial Court enabled officers to inspect all seven companies linked to Saunders. If sufficient evidence of wrongdoing is found, the businesses involved will face legal action for violating company and immigration laws.

 

Thai officials have vowed to prosecute all offences to the fullest extent of the law and to continue cooperating with international agencies to prevent fugitives from using Thailand as a safe haven

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-25.

 

 

 

[Gottfrid]

2 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Immigration and crime suppression authorities have arrested two British nationals wanted in the UK for serious criminal offences, including robbery and fraud. The suspects had fled to Thailand and were living on the resort island of Koh Samui, where they were allegedly operating multiple businesses under nominee arrangements.

Ha Ha Ha! They got what they deserved! 😂😂

[Jenkins9039]

Real name is Ashton Kevin Saunders  (Ben Ashton Kevin Saunders)

 

He had a suspended sentence (2 yrs) and community service, so unsure why Thailand is stating he is a fugitive : https://www.nationaltradingstandards.uk/news/business-grant-scammer-sentenced-for-online-fraud/

 

As that would be expired (2015) it's 10 yrs gone.

[cdemundo]

I notice the guy in sweatpants has the recognized signifiers of wealth, intelligence and success: multiple large tattoos.

I keep reminding myself that heavily tattooed individuals are probably richer, more intelligent, and more successful than I am. as I have been told on AN.

I need to remember the words of Groucho "Who you gonna believe? Me or your own eyes?"

[Mr Meeseeks]

Back to blighty for the criminal Brit chav scum.

 

Blacklisted too so they won't be coming back any time soon.

 

Well done Thai Police.

[JakeC]

They claim to be cousins.

 

https://facebook.com/groups/reportspam/posts/678663728841690/

 

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2014/jul/19/fake-guardian-webpages-boost-credibility

 

Probably ran away before paying compensation and doing the time for their crimes.

 

 

[roo860]

Hopefully arrest the Thai nominees for facilitating the opening the companies.

 

 

'had allegedly established a network of seven companies on Koh Samui using nominees, with Thai nationals registered as shareholders on behalf of foreign owners, a practice considered illegal under Thai law.'

 

 

[EVENKEEL]

Ok now. These British naughty boys are getting out of hand.