South Korean fugitive arrested in Phuket after eight-year overstay

Thai authorities have arrested a South Korean man accused of leading a transnational drug-trafficking network and defrauding fellow South Koreans of more than 800 million won, or approximately 20 million baht.

The suspect, identified only as Mr Lee, was also found to have overstayed his permission to remain in Thailand by 2,992 days, or more than eight years.

Thai police received information from South Korean police and intelligence authorities that Lee, who was the subject of an Interpol Red Notice for fraud and transnational drug import and export offences, was hiding in Phuket.

According to information provided to Thai investigators, Lee and his alleged accomplices had defrauded victims from early 2018 onwards, causing losses of more than 800 million won.

He was also accused of leading a network that exported narcotics and cannabis from Thailand to South Korea before distributing them to drug dealers through social media channels.

Further checks reportedly linked Lee to more than 23 cases involving drug offences and other alleged crimes, including prostitution-related offences, assault and fraud.

Suspect entered Thailand on tourist visa in 2018

A check of the immigration biometric system found that Lee entered Thailand through Phuket International Airport on March 6, 2018.

He was granted permission to remain in the country on a tourist visa until June 3, 2018, but allegedly remained in Thailand after that permission expired.

Immigration Bureau officers and officials from the Office of the Narcotics Control Board jointly investigated his whereabouts and discovered that he was staying at a luxury condominium in Mueang Phuket district.

At about 7pm on Wednesday (August 12), officers went to the condominium and conducted surveillance in the area.

When a man matching Lee’s description appeared, immigration and narcotics-control officers identified themselves and requested to examine his documents.

Police confirmed that the man was Lee. He also acknowledged that he was the person named in the Interpol Red Notice, according to the authorities.

Mobile phone and debit cards seized

Officers subsequently searched his room and seized a mobile phone and three debit cards, believing that the items may have been used in connection with the alleged offences.

Thai investigators will examine the evidence further in cooperation with South Korean authorities.

Lee was initially arrested on a charge of remaining in Thailand after his permission to stay had expired. Officers informed him of his legal rights before transferring him to an investigating officer for further proceedings.

Pol Maj Gen Phanthana Nuchanart, deputy commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, said the bureau continued to work with domestic and international security agencies to track down people wanted under international notices.

He stressed that Thailand would not be allowed to become a hiding place for fugitives or transnational criminals.

Authorities would take firm legal action against foreign nationals considered a threat to national security and public order, he added.