Two Russian suspects were arrested in a crackdown on a cash mule network in Thailand.
The tourists allegedly withdrew money from fraudulent bank accounts linked to a cyber scam syndicate on the tropical resort of Phuket.
Police raided three locations on July 8 following intelligence from the Anti-Cyber Scam Centre that the group were accessing funds obtained from fraud across the island.
They reviewed CCTV footage, traced financial transactions and gathered evidenceand gathered evidence before obtaining arrest warrants from the Phuket Provincial Court.
At the first location in Vichit sub-district, officers arrested a 26-year-old Ilya with 638,700 baht of cash.
Another suspect, Egor, who is under investigation in a technology-related crime case, was detained at a property in Chalong.
Police seized from him more than 4.59 million baht and 6,271 USD in cash, along with other evidence. Immigration officers revoked his visa.
Cops also raided a third location in Thalang district but failed to find the suspect they were searching for.
Authorities said the raids led to one arrest under a court warrant and another for immigration offences, while officers seized more than 5.44 million baht in cash.
Police Major Sinlert Sukhum, commander of Phuket Provincial Police, said they are further investigating the money trail and other members of the network.
He said: ‘We believe there may still be a number of victims who are unaware that they have fallen prey to this network or who have not yet come forward to file a complaint.
‘We are expediting the investigation to identify and track down other members, the masterminds and those who benefited from the operation, so they can be brought to justice and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.'
The island of Phuket's combination of idyllic beaches and colourful nightlife has seen it become one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world.
However, the influx of tourists has caused a surge in violence, depravity and petty crime - with many locals now regretting throwing open the doors to boost the economy.
Phuket has seen a surge of Russians and Ukrainians relocating or staying long-term to escape conscription, sanctions, and instability, with Russians becoming one of the island's largest tourist and expat groups.
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