Thai police hunt Russian man accused of posing as Interpol officer

Thai authorities are searching for a Russian national accused of impersonating an Interpol officer and defrauding compatriots of millions of rubles by promising to resolve criminal cases in Russia.

The suspect, identified as Ivan, is alleged to have presented himself as an Interpol-linked official based in Pattaya, telling victims he could help them settle legal problems in their home country in exchange for large payments, Russian media reports. 

According to investigators, Ivan allegedly targeted Russian-speaking users on social media, where he claimed to have strong ties with law enforcement officials and introduced himself as a well-connected figure able to “close” criminal cases. He reportedly told one victim that he had connections through the wife of a manager at Russkiy Poselok, who he claimed had links to Russian law enforcement.

Authorities say one of the most recent victims transferred approximately 6.7 million rubles ($89,876) after which the promised legal assistance never materialized.

To support his claims, Ivan allegedly showed a photograph of himself wearing a police-style uniform alongside an immigration officer. However, investigators believe the image was taken during a visit to an immigration office, where visitors are sometimes allowed to try on ceremonial items as part of a controlled activity.

Thai police say they are now working to locate and detain the suspect as part of an ongoing fraud investigation.

By Sabina Mammadli