South Korean 'Lucky Nine' suspect held in Thailand

Thai Immigration Police have arrested a South Korean man, identified as Mr Lim, who is alleged to have been a senior figure in the Lucky Nine investment fraud network. Authorities say the network cheated more than 100 people of over 10 billion won.

Lim was found at a luxury condominium in Nonthaburi province on 3 September 2026 after allegedly moving between accommodation in Phuket to avoid detection. He was wanted under a South Korean arrest warrant and an Interpol notice.

The operation followed a request from a Korean police liaison officer for Thai authorities to trace and detain the suspect. It was carried out by the Immigration Division 6 Investigation Unit and the Immigration Bureau's Investigation Division 2, under senior Immigration Bureau officials.

Alleged casino scheme targeted investors

Investigators said Lucky Nine operated 12 centres across South Korea, including Seolleung, Gold and Somang. The organisation allegedly employed coordinators, IT operations chiefs, software developers and financial managers.

Police said the group solicited money by presenting the venture as a casino business. Investors were placed in one-star to seven-star categories and promised commissions of between 3% and 21%, based on the amount invested.

The structure resembled multi-level marketing, according to investigators. Rather than earning money through a legitimate profitable business, police allege the funds were used for overseas online casino gambling or to pay earlier investors using money received from later participants.

Visa overstay also recorded after arrest

Biometric records showed Lim entered Thailand through Suvarnabhumi Airport on 19 September 2025 with a 90-day visa, allowing him to remain until 17 December 2025.

Police said he admitted his permission to stay had expired and that he had overstayed by 260 days. He also acknowledged the South Korean warrant and Interpol notice.

After locating Lim in Nonthaburi, officers identified themselves and confirmed his identity. He agreed to a search of the room, where police found three mobile phones, two credit cards, one tablet and other valuables.

Picture courtesy of Khoasod

The items were seized because investigators believed they may have been used in the alleged offences or obtained through criminal activity. They are to be passed to South Korean authorities to assist inquiries into other suspected network members who may have fled to Thailand.

Lim was informed of the allegations and his legal rights before being taken to investigators for further proceedings. Authorities said he will be deported to South Korea once the Thai legal process is complete.

Pol Maj Gen Phanthana Nuchanart, deputy commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, said the operation reflected policies of the prime minister, Royal Thai Police and Immigration Bureau to strengthen cooperation with security agencies in Thailand and abroad.

"Thailand will not be a hiding place for fugitives or transnational criminals," Phanthana said, adding that authorities would take decisive action against foreigners considered a threat to national security and public order.

Join the discussion?

5 September 2026

View full article