Five Russians in Thailand Suspected of Extorting $900,000 in Cryptocurrency

Police in Phuket province have issued arrest warrants for five Russians suspected of abducting a married couple to extort cryptocurrency. This was reported by the newspaper Bangkok Post.

A family from Belarus, who fell victim to the attack, approached law enforcement. The incident occurred on January 29. They were returning from a store on a motorcycle when a group of men in a black Hyundai van blocked their path.

The assailants forced the couple into the vehicle and, under threats, made them transfer cryptocurrency worth over $900,000. They were released afterward.

The victims claim they were not acquainted with the attackers.

Police detained two suspects at Phuket International Airport, two at their residence on the island, and another, the alleged organizer, at a massage salon. All were interrogated, but they denied involvement in the incident.

All five are currently under arrest, and the investigation is ongoing.

Back in late 2023, the founder of a Moscow financial company fell victim to a robbery aimed at stealing cryptocurrency. He was robbed of the equivalent of $46,000 and a Rolex watch.