Phuket —
Police have arrested a 41‑year‑old Russian national, Mr. Anton, accused of playing a key role in a transnational call center fraud ring.
The Phuket Provincial Investigation Division told the Phuket Express that the suspect was found in his apartment in Rawai, following a warrant issued by Surat Thani Provincial Court on April 17th, 2026.
Mr. Anton faces multiple charges, including:
- Supporting fraud against the public.
- Assisting in computer crimes by inputting false information into systems with intent to cause harm.
- Illegally using another person’s electronic card to withdraw cash.
Investigators revealed that the suspect acted as a cash mule, withdrawing money from ATMs after victims were deceived by the scam. Surveillance linked him to 16 separate withdrawals at a Mini Big C branch in Chalong, totaling 331,000 baht. Authorities confirmed that these transactions were tied to 16 fraud cases, with overall damages amounting to 795,367 baht.
Police are expanding the investigation to identify other members of the network. Mr. Anton has been transferred to Kanchanadit Police Station in Surat Thani for further legal proceedings.
