German’s Property Project on Koh Samui Leads to Law Firm Raids
SURAT THANI — In a significant operation, police from Region 8 targeted nominee networks across seven provinces, executing raids at 29 locations. On Tuesday, seven sites in Koh Samui, Surat Thani province, were raided as part of this operation.
The raids are linked to a complaint filed by Koh Samui Municipality, where a civil engineer reported to Bo Phut Police Station that a company had encroached on land at Chaweng Noi Hill to construct buildings for the “Seabreeze” project. The allegations include violations of the Building Control Act and possible nominee operations, where Thai nationals may have been used as proxy shareholders for foreign businesses.
The investigation was assigned to the Transnational Criminal and Illegal Immigration Suppression Center. The probe revealed that the “Seabreeze” project, a luxury villa development catering to foreign buyers, is owned by a German national, with significant involvement from a local law firm. Evidence gathered indicated that the law firm had assisted in establishing over 160 companies for foreign nationals, many involved in businesses such as villa rentals, restaurants, and tourism services in Koh Samui.
During the operation on February 25, officials targeted seven locations. The first was the law firm itself, followed by six other companies tied to foreigners listed as directors at the same address as the law firm. The investigation uncovered that the law firm had facilitated the creation of 167 companies, all registered at its address.
At each search location, authorities seized a variety of documents, including company registration papers, accounting records, evidence of investments, legal contracts, tax filings, and employment records related to the shareholders of these companies. Additionally, computer hard drives were confiscated for further analysis and legal proceedings.
