Pattaya, Chonburi Province – Police have taken two Russian suspects into custody in connection with the brutal murder and dismemberment of a fellow Russian national, whose body parts were discovered buried in multiple locations in Soi Phatthanakan 4.
The latest development in the case occurred at approximately 8:46 p.m. on February 1st, 2026 (Thailand time), when investigators from the Chonburi Provincial Police arrested two men they publicly identified as Mr. Iaroslav Demidov, 35, and Mr. Dmitrii Maskalev, 38, both Russian nationals. The arrests took place at a hotel in Soi Sukhumvit 71 in Bangkok.
The suspects were transported to the interrogation room at Nongprue Police Station for questioning regarding the savage killing. Upon arrival, both men appeared visibly tense and stern-faced, refusing to answer any questions from reporters. They were quickly escorted inside the station.
According to preliminary reports, both suspects continue to strongly deny all allegations against them and are maintaining their innocence in the face of intense interrogation. The suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a Thai court of law. It is unknown if they have an attorney as of press time. Police, citing an ongoing investigation, have not yet informed the media why they believe these two men are prime suspects.
The victim, identified as Mr. Mikhail Emelianov, a 30-year-old Russian national, had been reported missing earlier this month as we reported here previously. His mother traveled from Russia to Thailand to file a missing persons report, which triggered the investigation. Authorities later uncovered evidence of threatening messages related to an unpaid debt exceeding $120,000 USD (approximately 3.7 million THB), believed to stem from a soured business partnership reportedly involving cannabis.
The victim’s remains were found dismembered and buried in five separate locations near a pond in the Phatthanakan 4 area on February 1st, 2026, prompting a major police operation. The motive is suspected to be linked to the debt dispute.
The case is being handled by Nongprue Police Station, with support from Chonburi Provincial Police investigators. Further details, including potential additional accomplices and forensic findings, are expected to emerge as the interrogation continues and evidence is processed.
This remains a developing story.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
