Russian ruffian busted: Koh Pha Ngan’s wannabe mafia gets cuffed
Surat Thani Tourist Police arrested a Russian man accused of terrorising tourists and demanding protection money on the sun-drenched island of Koh Pha Ngan.
Dubbed a “Russian mafia” operative, the 27 year old alleged thug was putting on a front worthy of a Hollywood villain, complete with fake police gear and brazen threats.
The operation unfolded after the Tourist Police received a tip-off at 8.30pm, yesterday, March 9, about the foreign menace who reportedly enjoyed intimidating fellow Russians, flaunting his faux authority with photos of him donning a vest and brandishing a mock firearm.
Claiming connections with high-ranking Thai officials, he boasted of his supposed ability to pull strings and settle legal entanglements.
Police Lieutenant General Saksira Pueak-am, Commander of the Tourist Police Bureau, mobilised his team, tasking Pol. Lt. Col. Winij Boonchit and the Koh Pha Ngan Tourist Investigation Police to delve into the allegations. Their target: Vladislav Klenov, a Russian expatriate masquerading as a mafia chief.
Klenov was caught red-handed, selling cannabis products at a local shop in Village 4, Ban Tai subdistrict.
During a search of his quarters, officers uncovered a sinister stash: an air rifle resembling an M4A1, a pair of handcuffs, and a fake police vest, all sourced online to uphold his façade of authority.
Confronted with the evidence, Klenov confessed to the charade. Operating as a cannabis salesman, the self-styled mobster pocketed 17% of all sales and enjoyed free accommodation.
When faced with charges of working without a permit and using Category 2 narcotics, specifically cocaine, Klenov’s bravado crumbled, leaving him visibly pallid and dejected as he was escorted to Koh Pha Ngan Police Station.
Pol. Lt. Col. Winij urged any Russian tourists, locals or holidaymakers who had been bullied or extorted by the phoney tough guy to step forward and report their grievances. The Tourist Police hotline remains open at 1155, ensuring that visitors feel safe and secure whilst enjoying Thailand’s vibrant locales.
Meanwhile, Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira issued a stern warning to unscrupulous foreigners: the law is the law.
“This high season, the aim is to build confidence among tourists by wiping out crime in paradise. Koh Pha Ngan may be an island haven, but it’s clear there’s no safe harbour for troublemakers trying to spoil the fun.”
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