In a comprehensive crackdown known as ‘Operation Nominee Sweep,’ the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has apprehended 104 individuals, including 67 Russian nationals and 37 Thais, involved in an extensive network of companies with foreign shareholders.
The operation, led by CIB Commissioner Lieutenant General Jirabhop Bhuridej, was announced on Friday, May 31st. The investigation revealed a remarkable 1,603 companies registered with Russian shareholders since 2023, a fiftyfold increase compared to the annual average of 30 companies registered between 2016 and 2022.
The probe initially focused on a 45-year-old Russian national identified as Mrs. Iana, who has legally resided in Thailand since 2012. Mrs. Iana was discovered to be a shareholder in nine companies, including seven real estate firms and two service and tour operators, with a combined capital of 38 million baht. She also owns luxury condominiums and apartments worth 900 million baht across three projects in Phuket.
The arrests of Mrs. Iana and her Thai associate, Ms. Treethip, led to the detention of 231 suspects connected to the nominee operations. Among the detainees, 98 are foreigners, including the aforementioned Russians, along with four Chinese, three Ukrainians, three Indians, three Pakistanis, three South Koreans, two Italians, two Singaporeans, two Syrians, two Germans, two Turks, one Georgian, one American, one Kyrgyzstani, one Swiss, and one Belarusian.
‘Operation Nominee Sweep’ represents a significant step in Thailand’s efforts to combat illegal business practices and enforce regulations regarding foreign business ownership. The CIB’s ongoing investigations aim to ensure compliance with Thai laws and preserve the integrity of the nation’s economic landscape.
credit The Phuket News
