SURAT THANI — Thai immigration police have arrested a 30-year-old Israeli man wanted in his home country for running an online scam selling fake concert and sports tickets, authorities said.
Surat Thani immigration officers detained the suspect, identified as Abudyan, on Koh Samui following a joint operation with Israeli security agencies. He is the subject of an Israeli arrest warrant on fraud charges involving the sale of bogus tickets to fellow Israelis, causing losses worth tens of millions of baht, police said.
Israeli authorities had asked Thailand to help track down the fugitive, who allegedly continued deceiving victims through online platforms, offering nonexistent concert passes and tickets to major football matches. Thai police moved to revoke his visa and monitor his movements through the national biometric lodging-report system.
Investigators learned the suspect had checked into a hotel in Chaweng, Koh Samui, on November 10 and was due to stay until November 16. Immigration Police Commander Pol. Col. Naruwat Phuttawiro ordered the arrest team to take him into custody the same day his visa was canceled.
Police said Abudyan admitted selling fake tickets online and fleeing to Thailand more than a year ago to avoid prosecution. He allegedly moved between tourist hubs—including Samui, Phuket and Pattaya—to evade detection.
A search of his mobile phone uncovered images of additional fake tickets for upcoming concerts in Israel, which officers believe he planned to use in further scams. He is now being held for deportation to face charges in Israel.
___________