The suspect, identified only as ‘William’ (pseudonym), 33, was taken into custody at about 2pm last Friday (Apr 24) after officers tracked his whereabouts following a tip-off, according to the Immigration Bureau.
Police said the arrest was carried out by officers from Immigration Division 3 in coordination with Phuket Immigration, acting under a visa revocation order issued after authorities confirmed the man was the subject of an international arrest warrant and an Interpol Red Notice.
The operation forms part of a wider crackdown on transnational crime led by the Royal Thai Police, targeting foreign fugitives using Thailand as a base.
According to investigators, the suspect is wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation on charges of conspiracy to commit fraud using electronic communications.
Police allege that between 2022 and 2026, he was involved in a large-scale “hybrid scam” operation based in the United Arab Emirates that targeted victims primarily in the United States.
The scheme reportedly combined romance scams with fraudulent cryptocurrency investments. Victims were first approached via dating apps and social media, often by individuals posing as attractive partners to build trust before persuading them to invest in fake trading platforms. The platforms displayed fabricated profits to encourage further investment.
Authorities said the operation caused widespread financial losses, with multiple victims reported in the US.
Following his arrest, the suspect was taken for identity verification and legal processing. Immigration officials have revoked his permission to stay in Thailand under Section 12(7) of the Immigration Act, classifying him as a prohibited person. He now faces deportation and further legal action in coordination with international authorities.
Immigration Bureau commanders said the arrest underscores Thailand’s ongoing cooperation with global law enforcement agencies in tackling transnational crime, particularly online fraud networks that cause significant harm worldwide.
Officials also warned the public to remain vigilant against online investment schemes and romance scams, urging people to verify information carefully before transferring money.