Media: Russian hacker wanted by US arrested in Thailand’s Phuket

A Russian citizen wanted by the United States on hacking charges has been arrested in Phuket, Thailand, following a request from US authorities for his extradition.

The arrest was announced on November 12 during a press conference held by Thailand’s Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (TCSD). Lieutenant General Suraphon Prembut, the department’s head, said the operation was one of five recent actions carried out by the agency, Caliber.Az reports per Russian edition of Phuket News portal.

According to the TCSD, the United States has accused the 35-year-old Russian national of being a “world-class hacker” allegedly involved in cyberattacks targeting government institutions in both Europe and the US. The case is reportedly being handled by the FBI.

The Thai Attorney General’s Office authorised the man’s arrest in response to an official extradition request from the United States. Authorities confirmed that the suspect was detained under Thailand’s extradition law as an individual sought by another country.

Officials indicated that formal extradition proceedings would begin soon.

According to The Thaiger news portal, the suspect arrived in Phuket on October 30 and was staying at a hotel in the Thalang area, where he was later detained at the request of US authorities. Investigators seized a laptop, several smartphones, and a cryptocurrency wallet from his hotel room for forensic examination.

By Sabina Mammadli