A 35-year-old Russian national and a 20-year-old Thai woman have been arrested by officers from the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) for their alleged involvement in an online scam operation in Pattaya. The suspects are accused of fraudulently introducing false data into a computer system and jointly defrauding members of the public. Police said the operation involved circulating millions of baht by hiring a Thai woman to withdraw cash from multiple locations across the city.

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On the 23 February, officers from the CPPD arrested Mr. Sergei Khabarov, 35, a Russian citizen, under a warrant issued by the Chon Buri Provincial Court (No. J.102/2569) dated 23 February 2569. He was apprehended at a condominium in Soi Boon Kanchana 5, Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province. He faces charges of dishonestly or fraudulently importing false computer data likely to cause damage to the public, jointly committing public fraud and opening or allowing others to use bank accounts without intent for personal use.

Police also arrested Ms Sasiwimon Sorncharoen, 20, under a warrant issued by the Chon Buri Provincial Court (No. J.98/2569) dated 23 February 2569. She was detained in front of a massage shop at 28/19 Moo 2, Na Jomtien subdistrict, Sattahip district, Chon Buri province. Officers seized nine ATM cards, three mobile phones and one notebook computer as evidence.

The arrests followed an investigation under National Police Office Order No. 575/2568 establishing the Technology Crime Suppression Centre (TCSD). Investigators traced online case reports and identified Mr Khabarov and Ms Sasiwimon as being connected to a scam network operating in the area. Authorities allege that the Thai suspect was hired to withdraw funds across Pattaya as part of the scheme.

Police have not disclosed yet the full details of the scam or the total financial damage but stated that millions of baht were circulated through the operation. Both suspects have been taken into custody to face legal proceedings.

The Daily News reported that the case forms part of a broader crackdown on technology-related crime coordinated by the Technology Crime Suppression Centre. Authorities said investigations are ongoing to determine whether additional individuals are involved and to assess the full extent of the network’s activities. Further legal action will proceed in accordance with Thai law.

Picture courtesy of Daily News

Key Takeaways

• A Russian national and a Thai woman were arrested on 23 February in Chon Buri over alleged online fraud.

• Police seized nine ATM cards, three mobile phones and a notebook computer during the arrests.

• The suspects are accused of circulating millions of baht through coordinated cash withdrawals in Pattaya.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 24 Feb 2026

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Scammers like these are scum, no matter where they come from!

These low-life fraudsters manipulate trust and exploit people’s hard-earned money.

They shouldn’t just be arrested, they should face the full weight of the law, long custodial sentences, asset forfeiture, and anything else possible to ensure they pay for the damage they do.

The Thai courts need to send a clear message that if you come here to rip people off, you will be punished severely.

Low life. Off with their hands and any custodial sentence to commence only after their victims have been recompensed in full.