PHUKET, Thailand – Immigration police have arrested a 29-year-old French national wanted under an INTERPOL Red Notice in connection with serious transnational crimes, following a covert operation at a hotel in Phuket on July 3. The suspect, identified as MR. CHIR (alias), was wanted by Luxembourg authorities on multiple charges including involvement in an organized criminal group, money laundering, kidnapping, unlawful detention, hostage-taking, armed robbery, extortion, and related offences. According to immigration officials, the suspect had initially entered Thailand and stayed in Bangkok before relocating to Phuket, where he checked into a hotel in the Patong area.
Following coordination between the Immigration Bureau Investigation Division and Phuket Immigration, officers conducted surveillance on the suspect’s movements and devised a sting operation. A female police officer was deployed undercover, posing as a hotel housekeeper cleaning the corridor outside the suspect’s room in order to avoid suspicion. When the suspect opened his door, waiting officers nearby moved in to identify themselves and take him into custody without incident. Authorities subsequently revoked his permission to stay in Thailand and transferred him to Immigration detention pending deportation to face prosecution in Luxembourg. Officials said the operation reflects ongoing international cooperation and Thailand’s continued efforts to prevent transnational criminals from using the country as a hideout.
