PHUKET, Thailand – Immigration cops have snared a 26-year-old Ukrainian wanted under an Interpol Red Notice for a fake crypto platform scam. He’s accused of building a bogus Bybit clone to fleece victims.
The man, labelled “Mr Yeken” by police, was nabbed on August 11 around 10am. Officers from Phuket Immigration Police and other agencies worked together on the bust.
Suspect linked to Kiew crime network
Investigators say Yeken is tied to a Kiew-based economic crime ring. He allegedly fled to Thailand to dodge the heat.
Cops believe he used fake Telegram accounts and a cryptocurrency platform designed to look exactly like the real trading app Bybit. Victims were tricked into sending cash to wallets controlled by the suspects.
One victim lost 65,000 baht
A single victim reportedly lost more than 1,981 US dollars in September 2025 — that’s around 65,000 baht. Cops are hunting for more victims and chasing other members of the suspected network.
The probe is still active. Officers want to track down the rest of the gang.
Residency permit revoked
After the arrest, the Immigration Bureau Division 6 yanked Yeken’s permission to stay in Thailand. The reason: he’s now classified as a prohibited person under immigration law.
Immigration officers told him his permit was revoked, then took him into custody. He was shipped to Phuket Immigration for deportation and further legal proceedings.
Top brass oversee operation
The sting was led by police officer Khemachat Wattananapakasem, chief of Phuket Immigration Police, alongside deputy Wisarut La-iad-ong. The team included inspectors Adisorn Boonchum and Trin Khamphatee plus investigators from Phuket Immigration.
This arrest is part of a wider crackdown by immigration authorities on foreigners suspected of running illegal businesses or cross-border crime in Thailand.