SURAT THANI — Thai immigration police have arrested a Russian accused of leading an extortion gang that allegedly targeted the chief executive of a major car dealership in Russia, causing losses of more than 1 million roubles, officials said.
On 9 January 2026, officers from Surat Thani immigration raided a luxury hotel in the Bo Phut beach area of Koh Samui island and detained the suspect, identified as Airat, a Russian citizen, after he fled to Thailand to evade prosecution.
The arrest followed a request from the Russian Embassy in Thailand, which asked Thai authorities to help locate Sibgatullin, who is wanted under a criminal arrest warrant issued by the Russian Federation.
According to investigators, Sibgatullin and three accomplices allegedly conspired between November 2024 and November 2025 to extort money from the chief executive of a large automobile dealership in Russia. The group is accused of threatening to disclose confidential information that would have caused severe damage to the company unless the executive paid 1 million roubles, or about 390,000 baht. Fearing the consequences, the victim transferred the money, police said. Sibgatullin later fled to Thailand.
Col. Naruet Phutthawiro, chief of Surat Thani immigration police, said the suspect took extensive precautions to avoid detection, frequently changing accommodation to evade authorities. Investigators eventually tracked him using the Immigration Bureau’s biometric system, which indicated he was staying at a luxury hotel in the Bo Phut area.
Immigration police subsequently sought approval to revoke his permission to remain in Thailand. Officers found Sibgatullin relaxing by a swimming pool with his girlfriend, identified themselves and formally notified him of the revocation order. He was taken into custody pending deportation to face prosecution in Russia.
Lt. Gen. Phanumart Boonyalak, commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, said authorities would continue strict measures against foreigners who enter Thailand to commit crimes or use the country as a hideout. He urged the public to report suspicious behaviour involving foreigners to the immigration hotline or local immigration offices to help safeguard public safety and the country’s tourism image.