Two Swedes arrested in Hua Hin over alleged dark web drug trafficking network
Two Swedes arrested in Hua Hin in international Operation PANDORA crackdown
- Two Swedish nationals detained at properties in Thap Tai, Hua Hin
- Arrests linked to international investigation into alleged dark web drug network
- Police seize 119 electronic devices during coordinated operation across Thailand and Europe
Two Swedish nationals have been arrested in Hua Hin as part of an international police operation targeting foreign fugitives and suspected transnational criminal activity.
The arrests were carried out under “Operation PANDORA”, an initiative launched by Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) to track down foreign nationals suspected of criminal activity abroad who are believed to be hiding in Thailand.
The operation was overseen by Pol. Gen. Samran Nuanma, Deputy National Police Chief and Director of the Police Operations Centre, along with senior officers from the Central Investigation Bureau, Immigration Bureau, Tourist Police and other specialised units.
During the operation, police detained two Swedish nationals in Hua Hin — identified as Mr Daniel, 39, and Mr John, 33 — at separate residences in Thap Tai. Both men were taken into custody under Section 12 (7) and (8) of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979).
Authorities said Mr Daniel had been classified as a prohibited person due to behaviour indicating he could pose a danger to society or public safety, or potentially threaten national security. Police also believe he is wanted by foreign authorities and may be linked to offences including prostitution, human trafficking, drug trafficking, customs tax evasion or other activities considered contrary to public order and morality.
Mr John was detained under the same provisions of the Immigration Act.
A third Swedish national, Mr Robert, 47, was arrested at a residence in Lat Phrao 87 in Bangkok. He was charged with remaining in the kingdom without permission after his visa had expired or been revoked.
Following questioning, Mr Robert denied all allegations.
Mr Daniel and Mr John were transferred to the Immigration Detention Centre at Suan Phlu in Bangkok for further legal proceedings, while Mr Robert was handed over to investigators at Chok Chai Police Station before being processed for deportation.
Police seize electronic devices during raids
The arrests followed an investigation by Crime Suppression Division officers into what authorities described as a transnational criminal network involving the three Swedish nationals.
According to investigators, Swedish authorities had previously identified the suspects as being connected to an online drug-trading platform on the dark web known as Archetyp, as well as a website called Mupparna.net. Authorities believe the platform controlled more than 80 percent of the market share for illicit online drug trading in Europe.
European police had previously seized more than 1,000 kilograms of narcotics believed to be linked to the network.
Swedish authorities requested assistance from Thai police to locate the suspects, seize electronic evidence and expand the investigation into the wider network.
As part of the coordinated investigation, police carried out simultaneous operations across Thailand and Europe on 4 March under the name Operation PANDORA, targeting 18 locations.
Investigators said the suspects were believed to have been using Thailand as an operational base, directing activities remotely while living in pool villas in Hua Hin and at a residence in Bangkok.
Based on evidence provided by Swedish authorities, the Central Investigation Bureau obtained court warrants to search nine properties linked to the suspects.
During the searches, officers seized 119 items including 41 mobile phones, 10 tablets, 11 laptop computers, 31 digital storage devices, seven internet routers and various documents and credit cards.
The equipment will now undergo forensic examination as investigators continue to build a case against those involved.
Authorities said the joint operation with law enforcement agencies in Europe and Australia resulted in the arrest of 13 suspects across multiple countries.
All images: CIB Thailand
