Russian man arrested for illegal business, bribe attempt

A Russian man attempted to secure his freedom by offering a 1 million baht bribe to Thai police after being arrested for illegally operating a motorcycle rental service in Koh Pha Ngan, an island in the southern province of Surat Thani.

Pha Ngan Tourist Police received a tip-off about a foreigner working illegally in Thailand. Following further investigation, the man was identified as a 42 year old Russian named Denis, who operated a motorcycle rental shop called Bike Phangan Samui RENT SALE.

Denis was found advertising his illegal business in a Telegram group. Most of his customers were Russian nationals living or travelling on the island.

Tourist Police posed as customers and contacted Denis via Telegram to inquire about the service rates. Denis revealed to the undercover officers that he offered motorcycles for rent at 2,800 baht for a week and 2,100 baht for two weeks, with a 3,500 baht deposit required from each customer.

After confirming Denis’s criminal activity, officers visited his house and arrested him yesterday, July 10. Five motorcycles used in the business were confiscated. Officers also discovered that Denis had overstayed his visa by almost six months, or 175 days.

Denis admitted that he had never renewed his visa since arriving in Thailand and had been renting out motorcycles to make a living.

During the arrest, Denis attempted to bribe the police for his freedom, saying he would ask his friend to bring 1 million baht to the officers within 20 minutes if they agreed to let him go. Denis said he would pretend nothing had happened and that the police could take their families out for a delicious meal.

Police refused the bribe and took him to the Tourist Police Office for further legal proceedings. Denis reportedly remained cheerful even while in police custody. The man even gave a double thumbs-up while officers took his picture.

Police revealed to Channel 3 that Denis was a leading mafia gang member in his home country.