Indonesian Fugitive in Crypto Investment Scam Arrested in Thailand

An Indonesian citizen named Awang Willuang has been arrested in Thailand. The 33-year-old man is a fugitive in a case involving a network of crypto currency investment scams through dating apps or love scams. According to detikNews, the Thai media Thairath reported that Willuang is suspected of enticing victims to invest across continents. Willuang was arrested in Thailand based on an arrest warrant from the United States (US) authorities and an Interpol red notice. Thai authorities stated that the operation to arrest Willuang took place on 25 April 2026. Thailand’s Immigration Division 3 Investigation Unit stated that Willuang is the main suspect in the crypto currency investment scam case. He became a fugitive based on the US arrest warrant and Interpol red notice for charges of fraud using electronic devices. Furthermore, Willuang has been identified as the mastermind of a hybrid scam operation based in the United Arab Emirates. He is said to have entered Thailand on 22 April with a tourist visa and stayed at a luxury resort on Kamala Beach, Phuket. The authorities then coordinated with Phuket Immigration Police to conduct field investigations and ultimately arrest him. The investigation revealed that Willuang collaborated with the scam network to defraud crypto currency investors from 2022 to 2026. The modus operandi involved contacting victims through dating apps, social media, and other online channels using male and female personas to build romantic relationships before inviting victims to invest with false profit promises. The majority of victims are from the US. It is known that the authorities revoked his residence permit in Thailand under Section 12 (7) of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979). Willuang is detained for subsequent deportation. Thai authorities are cooperating with US authorities to continue legal action against Willuang.