KOH PHANGAN — Four European nationals have been arrested following a nine-month investigation that uncovered a network on Koh Phangan using Thai nominees to establish legitimate-looking businesses for money laundering, with cash flows exceeding 71 million baht (US$2 million).
Police Major General Panthana Nuchanart, Deputy Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, updated the press on December 27 regarding the arrest of three Europeans involved in the drug network. The Immigration Bureau has submitted requests to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to revoke the visas of all suspects – one Italian, one French, and one Russian national. They have also been blacklisted from entering Thailand.
The investigation began on March 1, 2024, when Surat Thani Immigration officers arrested Mr. Peter, a British national, for illegal possession of Category 1 and 2 narcotics (Ecstasy and Cocaine) and overstaying his visa. The Koh Samui Provincial Court sentenced him to 5 years and 11 months in prison, and he is currently serving his sentence at Koh Samui Prison.
Investigation chart showing the arrest of four European suspects in a drug trafficking network on Koh Phangan, presented at the Surat Thani Immigration Office on December 19, 2024.
Further investigation of financial trails revealed that Peter had ordered drugs worth over 200,000 baht from Federico, an Italian national, over the course of more than a year. Federico was found to have received transfers from other foreigners residing in Koh Samui and Koh Phangan areas, suspected to be drug-related payments, totaling 71 million baht.
On December 11, authorities executed search warrants at three locations on Koh Phangan, leading to Federico’s arrest. He faces multiple charges, including distribution of Category 1 and 2 narcotics, conspiracy to commit serious drug offenses, and money laundering.
Police seized 24 pieces of evidence, including a Bangkok Bank account containing 6.6 million baht ($193K), a 2-rai land plot worth 8 million baht registered under Pittaya Land Company, and a Mazda car.
Two additional suspects were subsequently arrested: Mr. Roman, 37, a French national, for cocaine possession and use, and Mr. Anton, 39, a Russian national, for possession of Category 5 narcotics (magic mushrooms).
The suspects had been living in Thailand for several years, primarily on Koh Phangan, with no legitimate primary occupation. They allegedly sold drugs at parties frequented by foreigners and established front companies to launder their drug proceeds.
