KOH PHANGAN — Thai Tourist Police have arrested a Russian national who allegedly extorted fellow Russians on Koh Phangan island in Surat Thani province by posing as a mafia member with connections to high-ranking Thai officials.
The 27-year-old suspect, identified only as Vladislav, was apprehended on Sunday evening (March 9) at a cannabis shop in Moo 4, Ban Tai sub-district, where he was working as a sales employee.
Tourist Police received multiple complaints from visitors to the popular holiday island about a foreign man who intimidated Russian tourists, photographed himself wearing tactical vests with firearms, and collected protection money. The suspect reportedly claimed he worked with high-ranking Thai government officials and could help resolve legal issues.
Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phuek-am, commander of the Tourist Police, ordered an investigation that confirmed the allegations. Officers obtained a court warrant and arrested Vladislav while he was selling cannabis products at the shop’s counter.
Authorities charged him with working without a permit. After a drug test revealed cocaine in his system, he was additionally charged with Category 2 narcotic use. The case has been transferred to Koh Phangan Police Station for further legal proceedings.
During questioning, Vladislav admitted to working at the cannabis shop, receiving 17% of total sales as payment plus free accommodation on the premises. He also confessed to the intimidation allegations and showed police his tactical vest, an M4A1 airsoft gun, and handcuffs that he had purchased online.
“We urge any Russian tourists or others who have been threatened, extorted, or harmed by this individual to file complaints with Koh Phangan Police Station or contact the Tourist Police hotline at 1155,” said Police Lieutenant Colonel Winit Boonchit, investigation inspector for the Tourist Police.
Lieutenant General Saksira has instructed tourist police chiefs in pilot tourist areas and nearby regions to crack down on foreign criminals operating in Thailand and to prosecute all cases without exception.
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