Immigration police have arrested a Russian man accused of leading a gang that sold fake passports in Thailand, earning at least 30 million baht from deceived customers.
The group advertised on platforms such as VK, Telegram, WhatsApp, and a website called Passport.pro, claiming they could legally provide passports for 15 nationalities in exchange for digital payment. To enhance their credibility, they even registered a company in Thailand, according to police.
Police investigators obtained a United States passport, which the Overseas Criminal Investigation Unit determined to be counterfeit, said Pol Maj Gen Panthana Nuchanart, deputy commissioner of the Immigration Bureau.
The fake passports sent to customers were traced back to the Dominican Republic via FedEx. Initial reports indicate that the victims incurred losses exceeding 30 million baht.
Further investigation revealed that Russian national Artem Tyshkevich was heading the operation. He is now facing charges of producing, selling, and importing counterfeit passports.
During the raid on his Bangkok residence, authorities seized mobile phones, laptops, bank passbooks, and foreign credit cards.
credit Bangkok Post
