Russian fugitive arrested in Koh SamuiListen to this articleA Russian man was arrested at a luxury resort in Bo Phut, Koh Samui on Thursday. (Photo: Surat Thani Immigration Office)SURAT THANI - Immigration officials have arrested a Russian man wanted for extorting more than 1 million roubles from an automotive company CEO in Russia, using biometric tracking to locate him at a luxury hotel in Koh Samui. Pol Col Naruwat Phuttawiro, commander of Surat Thani Immigration Office, said on Friday that authorities received a request from the Russian Embassy to apprehend Sibgatullin Airat, 40, who had fled to Thailand to evade prosecution. Russian federal police issued arrest warrants for the gang and coordinated with the Thai authorities after discovering Airat had fled to Thailand. The public can report information about foreign nationals committing crimes by calling the 1178 hotline or the Surat Thani Immigration Office at 077-423440.

Source: Bangkok Post January 09, 2026 09:34 UTC