A Russian fugitive who was wanted in his home country for fraud and extortion relating to demands for “protection fees” amounting to over THB60 million has been arrested by Phuket police.
Eldar Gassanguseynov, 29, was wanted on an Interpol Red Notice, or international wanted persons alert, for fraud. It is alleged he was part of an organized criminal group which demanded “protection fees” from people in Russia, police said in a press conference yesterday.
Officers reportedly spotted him in the car park of Nai Harn Gym in Rawai beach area. Police claimed Eldar “confirmed he is the wanted man so they took him to the immigration office.”
During questioning, police learned Eldar had first entered Thailand in 2014. However, he said that he had moved between Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates and Thailand with relatives since that time.
“We discovered that Eldar has been living in Thailand on an expired visa so he will be taken to Chalong Police Station and charged with living in Thailand illegally before we hand over him to Interpol,” said Phuket Immigration Chief Col. Sanchai Chokkhayaikit
Bill Roberts, managing director of Nai Harn Gym, refuted reports Eldar was hired to work as a trainer at the gym.
“The person in question was a member of Nai Harn Gym, but in no way was employed by our facility,” Bill said this morning.
Story: The Phuket News
