A criminal gang leader has been arrested in Bangkok for forging and selling passports from 15 different countries, including the United States, worth 30 million baht.

A Russian citizen, the alleged leader of an international criminal group involved in forging and selling passports from 15 different countries, including the United States, has been arrested in an operation by Thai immigration police. According to the Thai publication Khaosod, the damage from the group’s activities is estimated at more than 30 million baht.

On July 10, 2024, representatives of the Thai Immigration Bureau officially announced the detention of a 44-year-old Russian named Artem. The suspect was arrested on June 26, 2024, based on a warrant issued by the Bangkok Southern Criminal Court. The Russian national faces charges of making and selling fake passports and importing fake passports into Thailand.

Deputy Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, Police Major General Pantana Nuchanart, said the arrest was made at an apartment in an apartment complex on Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Street in Bangrak district, Bangkok.

An investigation by the Immigration Bureau revealed that the criminal network imported and sold fake passports in Thailand. Initially, investigators’ attention was drawn to photographs of the pages of purported U.S. passports. A detailed examination of the pictures revealed several suspicious anomalies that suggested the documents were forgeries. The Foreign Criminal Investigation Division in Thailand confirmed the information about the forgery.

Further investigation revealed that the criminal network openly advertised its services through popular apps such as VK, Telegram, WhatsApp, and websites. The criminals claimed they could produce passports for 15 nationalities, presenting it as a legitimate citizenship process. Payment was made through digital currency accounts, and a company was set up in Thailand to boost credibility.

Interestingly, using cryptocurrencies to pay for illegal services is becoming increasingly common in the criminal world, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to track financial flows.

The police also found that many victims were duped. Some did not receive passports at all, while others were sent fake documents via FedEx from the Dominican Republic.

A joint investigation with the U.S. Transnational Crimes Unit identified Artem as the leader of the group, which led to his arrest. Physical evidence, including cell phones, laptops, bank books, and foreign credit cards, was seized during his arrest.

Further investigation revealed a clear division of responsibilities within the criminal network. In the Dominican Republic, individuals received orders for the production of fake passports from Artem. They were also responsible for advertising, communicating with victims, and managing the money received from them.

Experts note that such transnational criminal groups are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their methods. The use of modern technologies such as cryptocurrencies and secure messengers makes the work of law enforcement agencies much more difficult.

Thai authorities urge citizens to be vigilant and report suspicious offers to obtain passports or citizenship. The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests of individuals associated with the criminal group may follow shortly.

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