Pattaya, Chonburi – February 23rd, 2026 – The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has dismantled a cross-border scam network involving a Russian national and a Thai woman, who allegedly used mule accounts to withdraw large sums of cash across Pattaya and surrounding areas, with funds circulating in the millions of baht.
The operation was carried out by the Consumer Protection Crime Suppression Division (Division 1) under the supervision of Pol Lt Gen Natthasak Chawanasai, Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau. The team, led by Pol Maj Gen Kongkrit Loetsitthikun, Commander of the Consumer Protection Crime Suppression Bureau, along with Pol Col Anuwat Rakcharoen (Deputy Commander), Pol Col Kraiwit Saentawisuk (Superintendent of Subdivision 1), and other officers including Pol Lt Col Phairat Promwong, Pol Lt Col Phumiphat Buarattnakul, Pol Lt Col (f) Somwadi Phothiwat, and junior officers, executed arrests based on arrest warrants issued by the Chonburi Provincial Court.
On February 23rd, 2026, authorities apprehended Mr. Sergei Khabarov, 35, a Russian national, pursuant to arrest warrant No. 102/2569 dated February 23rd, 2026. He faces charges of jointly committing fraud by dishonestly or deceptively introducing false computer data into a system in a manner likely to cause damage to the public, joint fraud against the public, or opening or consenting to the use of bank deposit accounts without intent for personal use. The arrest took place at a condominium in Soi Boonyakanjana 5.
In a separate simultaneous action, officers arrested Ms. Sasivimon Soncharoen, 20, a Thai national, under arrest warrant No. 98/2569 dated February 23rd, 2026, on the same charges. She was detained in front of a health massage shop at No. 28/19, Moo 2.
Seized evidence included:
– 9 ATM cards
– 3 mobile phones
– 1 notebook computerThe investigation stemmed from directives by the National Police Headquarters’ Anti-Online Scam Center (established under Order No. 575/2568 dated December 1, 2025) and followed online complaint No. T6811011014. Further orders (No. 0066.2/816 dated January 27, 2026) tasked Subdivision 1 with tracking suspects linked to tech-enabled crimes, including movements related to a key associated figure, Mr. Apisit Khadkhao, and associates.
Through intelligence gathering, police identified Mr. Khabarov and Ms. Sasivimon as residing at the arrest locations. Officers posed as police, presented the warrants, and after verification, the suspects acknowledged their identities and confirmed they had not previously been arrested on these warrants. Both denied all allegations during initial questioning. They were taken into custody and transferred to Nong Kham Police Station for further legal proceedings.
Authorities believe the duo was part of a broader operation targeting victims through deceptive means, leading to significant financial losses.
Police issued a public warning: “Do not transfer money, withdraw cash, or share personal information to strange callers!!! If in doubt, hang up immediately.”
This arrest is part of intensified efforts by Thai authorities to combat cyber-enabled scams, particularly those involving foreign nationals operating in tourist-heavy areas like Pattaya. Investigations continue to uncover any additional accomplices or linked accounts.
