High-Ranking Korean Fraud Suspect Arrested in Nonthaburi After Interpol Manhunt in Phuket

Thailand –

Thai Immigration Police have arrested a South Korean national identified as Mr. Lim, a senior figure in the notorious “Lucky Nine” investment fraud syndicate, after months of investigation and surveillance. The suspect had been wanted under an Interpol red notice and a South Korean arrest warrant for orchestrating large-scale financial scams that defrauded more than 100 victims of over 10 billion won (approximately 250 million baht).

Authorities revealed that Lucky Nine operated through 12 centers across South Korea, including Seolleung, Gold, and Somang, with a structured hierarchy involving coordinators, IT specialists, programmers, and financial managers. The group lured investors with promises of casino-related business opportunities, offering commissions ranging from 3% to 21% based on investment size. In reality, funds were funneled into overseas online gambling or used to pay earlier investors with money from new recruits, a classic Ponzi scheme.

Investigators from Immigration Division 6 traced Mr. Lim’s movements after discovering he had entered Thailand via Suvarnabhumi Airport on September 19th, 2025, with a temporary visa that expired on December 17, 2025. He overstayed by 260 days, moving between hideouts in Phuket before relocating to a luxury condominium in Nonthaburi. On September 3rd, 2026, officers from Immigration Division 6 and Division 2 executed a raid on the condo, confirming his identity through biometric checks.

During the arrest, police seized three mobile phones, two credit cards, a tablet, and other valuables believed to be linked to the fraudulent operations. Mr. Lim admitted to overstaying his visa and acknowledged his fugitive status under South Korean and Interpol warrants. Thai authorities have charged him under immigration law and will coordinate with South Korean police to expand the investigation and track down other syndicate members hiding in Thailand. Once legal proceedings in Thailand are complete, Mr. Lim will be deported to face prosecution in South Korea.