PHUKET, THAILAND – Thai immigration cops nicked a Swedish woman wanted internationally for a fraud that bled victims of over 60 million baht.
Felicia, together with 14 alleged accomplices, is accused of tricking victims into making 163 money transfers. Her permit to stay has been cancelled. Deportation to Sweden is under way.
Cops catch her after Interpol alert
Investigators from Immigration Division 6 and Phuket Immigration tracked Felicia down on August 4 in Phuket province. An international wanted notice from Interpol, number A-9962/6-2026, had been issued against her.
The notice was published for fraud. After checking her data in the biometric system, officers arrested the Swede and took her to Phuket Immigration.
Victims tricked into 163 transfers
Felicia is suspected of posing as an employee of a finance company and a bank in early 2022. She worked with 14 alleged accomplices. According to investigators, they phoned victims and persuaded them to make a total of 163 transfers.
The damage from the scheme is said to exceed 60 million baht. The probe is running with help from the Nordic Police Liaison Office and the foreign affairs division of the Royal Thai Police, said immigration officials.
Entered via Ranong on tourist visa
Felicia came into Thailand on January 31 through the Ranong border checkpoint. She got a tourist visa allowing her to stay until March 31.
Phuket Immigration then extended her stay to August 31. After the arrest, the commander of Immigration Division 6 revoked that permission.
Deportation to Sweden under way
The suspect is now in custody at Phuket Immigration. The agency has started deportation proceedings to Sweden under immigration regulations.
Immigration chief Pol. Lt. Gen. Panumas Boonlum said Thailand will keep working with security agencies at home and abroad to find people with international arrest warrants.
Thailand will not be a hiding place for fugitives or cross-border criminals
said Pol. Lt. Gen. Panumas Boonlum, Immigration Bureau commissioner.