PHUKET, THAILAND – Thai immigration police arrested a South Korean national wanted by Interpol for fraud and cross-border drug smuggling. Mr. Lee allegedly lived in Thailand for nearly 3,000 days without a valid visa while running a drug and cannabis network to South Korea.
Investigators from Immigration Bureau Division 6 tracked Mr. Lee to a luxury condo complex on Phuket. They worked with the Office of the Narcotics Control Board and South Korean police intelligence.
Interpol alert leads to arrest
The man was wanted under Interpol notice A-8537/8-2018. The notice was issued on August 13, 2018, for fraud and the illegal import and export of drugs.
He said he is the person named in the Interpol notice.
said Mr. Lee during the raid on August 12, 2026.
Fraud charges worth millions
Authorities allege Mr. Lee and accomplices stole around 800 million won since early 2018. That equals roughly 20 million baht.
He is also accused of leading a syndicate that smuggled drugs and cannabis from Thailand to South Korea. The goods were distributed to dealers through online platforms, police said.
More than 20 previous cases
Thai authorities link the suspect to prostitution, assault, and fraud. They registered more than 23 cases against him in total.
Mr. Lee was identified as a wanted person based on the Interpol notice.
Biometrics confirm identity
During the raid on August 12, 2026, officers checked his identity using biometric data. Mr. Lee admitted he was the person on the Interpol notice.
Police seized mobile phones and debit cards. The items are believed connected to the alleged crimes.
Visa overstay charges filed
Thai authorities charged Mr. Lee with overstaying his visa by 2,992 days. They then handed him over to investigators for further legal proceedings.
Thailand is stepping up action against wanted foreigners hiding in the country. The focus is on cases involving cross-border crime.
Extradition to South Korea on the table
Thai authorities are coordinating with South Korean counterparts to expand the investigation. The extradition of Mr. Lee is also being pursued.
The current status is the transfer of the suspect to investigators for the visa overstay and further legal steps.