Thailand arrests Russian hackers wanted in US

By Phan Anh February 12, 2025 | 12:26 am PT

Four Russian nationals wanted in the U.S. and Switzerland for allegedly using ransomware to extort companies have been arrested in Phuket, according to Thai authorities.

The suspects, aged 27 to 39, were taken into custody at residences in Muang and Thalang districts, Trairong Phiwpan, chief of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, said Monday, the Bangkok Post reported.

Police seized computers and mobile phones at the scene. Investigators say the four suspects used ransomware to target 17 companies in Switzerland between April 30, 2023, and Oct. 26, 2024, demanding payments to unlock compromised systems.

They also allegedly sent threatening emails and made phone calls to organizations that refused to pay.

Trairong said the hackers also allegedly stole an estimated US$16 million worth of cryptocurrency from 1,000 victims globally, The Nation reported.

He added that they would be extradited to the U.S. and Switzerland to face charges.