Major Bust at Luxury Resort: Indonesian Man Arrested as Leader of 'Hybrid Scam' Ring Hiding in Phuket
An Indonesian national wanted by the FBI for leading a hybrid cryptocurrency scam targeting investors was arrested at a luxury Phuket resort; the scheme used fake romance and false investment platforms to defraud victims of over $10 million
On April 25, 2026, Pol. Lt. Gen. Songprerth Sirisuka, commander of Provincial Police Region 3, along with Deputy Commander Pol. Col. Chinwut Tangwongsalit, Pol. Col. Suriya Phuangsombat, and Pol. Col. Khemchat Watannapakham led a coordinated team to apprehend a high-profile cryptocurrency investment fraud suspect following an Interpol red notice and FBI warrant. Intelligence indicated that the target was hiding at a luxury resort in Phuket. When authorities conducted a passport inspection at the resort, they identified the suspect as Mr. William, a 33-year-old Indonesian national wanted by the FBI and international police for transnational fraud charges involving electronic devices. He was subsequently arrested and his legal status in Thailand was revoked as he violated immigration regulations.
Pol. Col. Suriya revealed that the suspect operated a hybrid scam between 2022 and 2026 targeting cryptocurrency investors through dating apps, social media, and various online channels. The operation employed attractive models and actors to conduct video calls and establish romantic relationships (romance scams) that appeared highly credible before soliciting investment in fake cryptocurrency platforms with fabricated profit displays. The scam caused extensive damages, with losses in the United States alone exceeding 10 million USD or approximately 350 million baht.
The hybrid scam method combines multiple deception techniques, making it particularly effective at victimizing people globally. The Royal Thai Police and relevant agencies urge citizens to verify information thoroughly before conducting any financial transactions and remain vigilant against such schemes. Thailand reaffirms its commitment to cooperating with international law enforcement agencies in combating transnational crime, particularly online fraud cases that cause widespread harm to people worldwide.
