PHUKET — Thai police arrested one of two Russian suspects who allegedly broke into a fellow countryman’s hotel room, threatened to kill him, and demanded money over a cryptocurrency business dispute.
The victim, 31-year-old Russian national Mr. Zelimkhan, reported to Karon Police that on January 5 around 11:00 p.m., a foreign man forcefully entered his room at Wekata Luxury hotel in Karon, Phuket, physically assaulted him, and stole $20,000 in cash. After managing to break free from his restraints, he filed a police report at Karon Police Station at 3:20 a.m. on January 6.
Police Colonel Khundet Na Nongkhai, Superintendent of Karon Police Station, stated that investigators from Karon Police, Phuket Provincial Police, and Phuket Immigration have identified the suspects, believed to be Russians acquainted with Zelimkhan.The investigation revealed that the mastermind, identified as Andrei, had previous cryptocurrency business dealings with Zelimkhan in Russia. Andrei demanded Zelimkhan return $120,000 and threatened to have his associate kill him if he refused. The assailant attempted to force Zelimkhan to unlock his crypto wallet on his phone, but when Zelimkhan refused to provide the password, he was repeatedly punched and kicked.
Zelimkhan then directed the attacker to his suitcase, claiming there was money inside. The perpetrator searched the luggage and took approximately 60-70 $100 bills. The assailant then dragged Zelimkhan to the bathroom, tied him to the door rail, and kicked him in the chest. Zelimkhan lost consciousness after being struck in the back of the head.
Upon regaining consciousness and finding the attacker gone, Zelimkhan managed to free himself from the wire restraints. Unable to use the room’s phone and lacking English language skills, he immediately went to Karon Police Station to report the incident.
Subsequently, the Phuket Provincial Court approved arrest warrants for two Russian suspects. The first suspect, Mr. Andrei, age 37, entered Thailand on November 26, 2024, hasn’t left the country, and hasn’t registered his residence. CCTV footage shows he headed toward Chalong Five-Way Junction in Mueang Phuket District after the incident.
On January 7, police arrested Andrei at The Residence Resort and Spa Retreat in Cherng Talay, Thalang district, while he was staying with his family.
As for the second suspect, Mr. Dmitri, age 36, who entered Thailand on January 5 at 15:32 and fled to Dubai on January 6 at 02:5, Thai police have requested an Interpol Red Notice. Both suspects have been charged with conspiracy to commit extortion by death threats and conspiracy to detain or imprison others.
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