PATTAYA, THAILAND – Specialist officers from the Central Investigation Bureau arrested a Russian man and a Thai woman in Chon Buri province on suspicion of moving millions of baht through so‑called mule accounts as part of a cross‑border online fraud network.
Raid targeted cross-border fraud ring
The operation on 23 February was coordinated by the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) under the umbrella of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and focused on transnational fraud structures in the coastal province of Chon Buri. According to investigators, the probe identified a group of Russian suspects who allegedly operated together with a Thai woman from Pattaya and the Sattahip district.
Arrests in Pattaya and Sattahip
One of the suspects, 35‑year‑old Russian Serge Kabarov, was arrested in a condominium in Soi Boonkanjana 5 in Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district. The second suspect, 20‑year‑old Sasiwimon, was detained in front of a health‑massage business in Moo 2 in Na Jomtien subdistrict in Sattahip.
Seized evidence and alleged method
During the raids, officers seized nine bank cards, three mobile phones and a laptop as evidence. According to the investigators, the pair allegedly fed false information into computer systems, induced people to transfer money, and then set up mule accounts through which the proceeds of the fraud were channeled.
Money flows and further questioning
News outlet Khaosod reported, citing investigators, that funds obtained in this way were quickly withdrawn in cash and further distributed. After the arrests, the two suspects were informed of the accusations against them and their rights, then transferred to investigators at Nong Kham police station for further questioning.
Suspects deny charges and earlier related case
According to the police, both detainees denied the allegations and rejected all charges. Cyber investigators had already arrested a Russian man in November of the previous year, who was suspected of defrauding the 70‑year‑old owner of a well‑known Chinese‑Thai herbal medicine company through an investment scam of more than 11 million baht.
“Both arrested individuals have denied all accusations and rejected every allegation made against them.”
said police investigators, according to the report.
“Investigators found that the unlawfully obtained funds were quickly withdrawn in cash and then distributed onwards.”
said officers cited by Khaosod.
“The operation on 23 February, coordinated under the Central Investigation Bureau, was aimed at dismantling cross-border fraud structures in Chon Buri.”
said CPPD officials, according to the account.
“In a previous case last November, cyber investigators arrested another Russian suspect linked to an investment fraud of more than 11 million baht against a 70-year-old herbal medicine businessman.”
said police sources referenced in the report.