Crime International Crime Rings Targeted in Phuket Crackdown

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Phuketinsta.

 

A police operation has dealt a blow to several transnational criminal networks operating illegally in Phuket, with local and regional authorities launching coordinated raids across the island.

 

The crackdown, led by the Phuket Provincial Police in partnership with Region 8 Police Command, targeted illicit businesses run by foreign nationals accused of undermining legitimate Thai enterprises. Over the course of the operation, officers raided seven locations, but only resulting in four arrests and the seizure of 255 items of physical evidence.

 

Chinese “Grey” Syndicate Targeted

 

At the heart of the crackdown was a so-called “grey” syndicate involving a group of Chinese nationals. The group allegedly laundered illicit funds through a car rental business, GRQ ALPHARD CLUB and invested in high-value properties and businesses, including international schools, boutique hotels and fine dining establishments.

 

Police issued seven arrest warrants in connection with the syndicate. Two suspects were apprehended during the raids, while four are believed to have fled Thailand. Authorities suspect the group’s investments were part of a wider strategy to clean illegally obtained capital under the cover of legitimate tourism-sector ventures.

 

Investigators have linked the group to over 1 billion baht in unauthorised investments and believe it also ran the vehicle operation targeting international tourists via social media, bypassing local rental services.

 

Australian Gang and Bitcoin Heist

 

Raids also uncovered a criminal network with ties to Australia, believed to be behind a large-scale cryptocurrency robbery involving Bitcoin. A search in Patong led police to an illegal cannabis farm, an unlicensed tattoo parlour and a private residence, all allegedly part of a covert criminal operation.

 

Russian-Israeli Rental Scheme Exposed

 

Another significant find came with the arrest of a Russian national thought to be at the centre of an illegal car and motorcycle rental scheme. Nine cars and 46 motorcycles were seized, all believed to be operated without the required permits. Investigators say the scheme involved both Russian and Israeli nationals in what appears to be a cross-border collaboration.

 

Illegal Cannabis Factory Discovered

 

Police raided an illegal cannabis processing facility in the Rawai area. Although officially registered under a Thai national’s name, authorities believe the operation was controlled by foreign criminals using nominee arrangements to mask ownership. Over 200 cannabis-related products and pieces of equipment were confiscated.

 

Officials from the Public Health Office joined police in the operation, which highlighted the increasing use of nominee structures by foreign entities to circumvent Thai ownership laws.

 

Ongoing Investigations and Phase Two

 

Authorities have vowed to intensify their campaign against international criminal operations embedded in Thailand. Speaking at a press conference following the raids, a police spokesperson confirmed that this operation was merely the first phase, with a broader and more comprehensive crackdown already in planning.

 

“This operation sends a clear message: Thailand will not be a safe haven for international criminal networks,” a senior officer stated. “We are committed to dismantling these operations and restoring lawful economic activity, especially in key tourism zones like Phuket.”

 

Local business owners have welcomed the intervention, saying that foreign-run illegal operations have made it increasingly difficult for legitimate Thai companies to compete.

 

The investigation continues, with police expected to pursue further leads and expand their inquiry into the foreign-run enterprises that continue to exploit legal loopholes and nominee structures.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now 2025-05-27.