Russian fugitive wanted on drug charges caught hiding out in Pattaya. PATTAYA, Thailand – Chonburi Immigration Police arrested 33-year-old Russian national Mr. Artem Ilichev, who had been living undercover in Pattaya while wanted on an Interpol red notice related to serious drug offenses. The arrest followed coordination between the Russian Embassy and Pol. Col. Napaspong Kositsuriyamanee, Superintendent of Chonburi Immigration. After receiving intelligence about the fugitive’s whereabouts, Pol. Lt. Col. Thong Kotanan led an investigative team to track him down. Investigators discovered that Ilichev had been staying in Pong Subdistrict and was a regular visitor to a local sport club, located in Banglamung District. Officers conducted surveillance and spotted him near the club’s entrance. They approached, identified themselves, and made the arrest without incident. During questioning, Ilichev admitted to being the individual named in the Interpol warrant. Immigration officers also found that his passport had expired 352 days ago. He was handed over to Nongprue Police Station on charges of overstaying in the Kingdom of Thailand. Chonburi Immigration has confirmed that coordination is now underway with the Russian Embassy to arrange his extradition for legal proceedings in Russia. This case sends a clear message: Pattaya is not a hiding place — international fugitives will be found and brought to justice. Chonburi Immigration nabs Interpol suspect at popular Banglamung fitness club. Authorities prepare to send arrested Russian back home for trial.