Police Dismantle Foreign Nominee Network, Target Russian Property Scheme

On July 17, Deputy National Police Commander General Samran Nuanma, along with National Police Office Commander General Nopsil Poolswadee, led more than 200 police officers and officials from the Department of Business Development and the Land Department in executing "Phase 4" of the operation to dismantle foreign nominee networks in Chonburi province. Officers conducted searches at 41 locations across 33 companies with total damages valued at 235 million baht, focusing on a luxury residential development in Pattaya's Bang Lamung district that authorities allege was being marketed as a "Russian village."

The operation targeted two Russian networks: one led by Igor, a Russian national who held 49% ownership of a company used to purchase homes through Thai nominees, and another network involving Russian national Russieyuzup, whose family allegedly owned six properties in the same development. When questioned, Igor claimed he had lived in Thailand for 20 years with extended family but did not know the Thai nationals holding the remaining 51% ownership stake, attributing the arrangement to his accountant or lawyer. Officers seized documents, property advertisements, utility bills, and tax receipts from multiple homes.

Authorities arrested Thai accountants and lawyers involved in the scheme and issued arrest warrants for 33 foreign nationals holding shares in the property companies. Officials stated that many of the Thai nominees listed as 51% shareholders appeared to lack legitimate identities and may have been falsely registered. Deputy Commander Samran emphasized that Thailand welcomes tourists and investors but insists that legal companies provide foreigners with accurate information about property ownership restrictions, as foreign nationals are prohibited from directly owning land in Thailand.