Five Israelis, 2 French, Dutch, and Russian National Arrested with 231 Million Baht Worth of Land in Phuket Nominees Scam Crackdown

Phuket –

Phuket officials have launched a major operation against companies suspected of illegally acquiring land through nominee structures, in violation of Thailand’s Land Code.

Our previous story:

The Royal Thai Police (RTP) has launched phase 3 of its crackdown on foreign nominee networks in Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga, expanding efforts to combat illegal business activities and the use of Thai proxies to conceal foreign ownership of assets and businesses.

Now for the update:

The investigation has revealed two distinct groups of offenders, involving both foreign nationals and Thai-registered companies.

Group 1: Nominee Companies

• 10 companies identified as nominees.
• 4 land plots totaling 2 rai 1 ngan 50.5 square wah (approx. 3,450 sq. meters).
• Estimated value: 116 million baht.
• The court issued 13 arrest warrants for 12 foreign nationals.
• Authorities successfully executed 10 warrants, detaining 9 suspects:
  • 5 Israelis
  • 2 French nationals
  • 1 Dutch national
  • 1 Russian national

Group 2: Companies with Majority Foreign Shareholding

• 39 companies found to have foreign shareholders holding more than 50%.
• 52 land plots totaling 12 rai 2 ngan 62.5 square wah (approx. 20,250 sq. meters).
• Estimated value: 115 million baht.
• The court approved 29 search warrants to collect evidence and summon individuals for questioning.

Combined Findings

• 56 land plots investigated.
• Total area: 15 rai 13 square wah (approx. 24,700 sq. meters).
• Combined value: 231 million baht.

Key Case: The G-Mat Network

Authorities showed the dismantling of the G-Mat corporate network, which operated across multiple sectors in Phuket:

1. G-Mat Co. – Hotels, resorts, condominiums, and motorcycle rental services.
2. Aba Co. – Restaurants and cannabis shops.
3. Fitness Co. – Gym and fitness centers.

Related article:

Thai National Police have ordered a sweeping second-phase operation against foreign nationals using Thai nominees to conceal illegal land ownership and business activities on Koh Phangan. The raid mobilized more than 300 officers to dismantle nominee structures across the island.

Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has formally handed over the full case files and all 31 suspects in the high-profile Villa Andaman nominee property scandal to the Office of the Special Litigation Prosecutor, marking a big step in the crackdown on foreign-controlled real estate in Phuket and Koh Samui.

Authorities in Krabi have launched a high-profile investigation into a zoo suspected of operating as a nominee business for Israeli foreign investors, raising concerns over violations of Thailand’s foreign business laws and animal welfare standards. 

Authorities in Phang Nga have launched a sweeping crackdown on nominee businesses and foreign-owned enterprises operating illegally, in line with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s urgent policy to protect Thai economic interests.

The original version of this article appeared on our sister website, The Phuket Express, owned by our parent company TPN media.