Bangkok – Thai immigration authorities have arrested two French nationals wanted by their home country on serious international charges, dealing a blow to a transnational criminal network operating in Thailand.
The operation, which targeted the suspects in quick succession, aligns with directives from Royal Thai Police Commander Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanthaphet and Deputy Commander Pol. Gen. Samran Nuanma to crack down on cross-border crime and illegal immigration, particularly individuals whose activities harm Thai society.
Authorities had been monitoring a 35-year-old French man identified only as Mr. Abdulrahim, who frequently changed condominiums and exhibited suspicious patterns. Investigations, including coordination with French law enforcement, revealed he was sharing accommodation with a 33-year-old friend, Mr. Mustafa.
Both men are subjects of arrest warrants in France. Abdulrahim is additionally wanted under an Interpol Red Notice for alleged drug importation and distribution, involvement in a transnational criminal organization, money laundering, conspiracy to conceal or disguise assets derived from drug trafficking, and related offenses.
After receiving reliable intelligence that the pair had moved into a luxury condominium in the Asoke district of central Bangkok, officers acted swiftly. On June 23rd, 2026, Pol. Maj. Gen. Songprod authorized the revocation of their permission to remain in the Kingdom, citing their status as prohibited persons.
A tactical team led by Pol. Lt. Col. Ithithon Praset-sak, Deputy Superintendent of the Special Investigation Unit, Immigration Region 3, and Pol. Lt. Col. Thongthai Phairor, along with heavily armed investigators, conducted the operation. The suspects were found residing on separate floors. Officers informed them of the revocation order and their legal rights before taking them into custody.
Both men were processed and transferred to the Investigation Division 3 of the Immigration Bureau’s Special Investigation Unit for further legal proceedings.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
