Pattaya, Thailand – June 5th, 2025: Chonburi Immigration Police apprehended a 33-year-old Russian national, Mr. Artem Ilichev, in Pattaya following a tip-off from the Russian Embassy. Ilichev was wanted under an Interpol warrant for drug-related offenses.
Acting on the information, Pol. Col. Napasphong Khositsuriyamanee, Superintendent of Chonburi Immigration Office, directed Pol. Maj. Thong Tonan, head of the investigation unit, and his team to track down the suspect. Investigations revealed that Ilichev was residing in the Pong sub-district and frequented the Sanit Sport Club in Banglamung, Chonburi.
Officers staked out the sports club and arrested Ilichev in front of the premises. During questioning at the Chonburi Immigration Office, Ilichev admitted to being the individual named in the Interpol warrant. Further checks revealed that his passport had expired 352 days prior, leading to additional charges of “Being a foreigner who entered and resided in the kingdom without permission.”
Ilichev is currently detained and will be transferred to Nongprue Police Station for prosecution on the immigration violation. Authorities are coordinating with the Russian Embassy to facilitate his extradition to Russia for further legal proceedings related to the drug charges.
