Phuket immigration police have arrested a Russian man wanted on an Interpol Red Notice, or international wanted persons alert, for fraud.
Police apprehended Eldar Gasanguseynov, 30, at a fitness centre, Nai Harn Gym, on Wiset Road in the Rawai area of Muang district on Wednesday afternoon.
Pol Col Sanchai Chokkhayaikij, the Phuket immigration police chief, said Mr Gasanguseynov was wanted in Russia for fraud and extortion relating to demands for “protection fees” from his countrymen amounting to about 62 million baht.
Interpol issued a red alert notice on him on charges of “extremely large-scale misappropriation by fraud committed by the organised criminal group”.
Mr Gasanguseynov escaped arrest in Russia and fled to Thailand. He had been working as a trainer at the health club when the police caught him.
Pol Col Sanchai said the Russian admitted he was the man wanted on the red notice. He was found to have overstayed his visa and would face prosecution before being handed over to Russian authorities.