Suspected Russian Hacker Wanted by FBI Arrested on Phuket Resort Island

Thai authorities say they have detained a 35-year-old Russian national on the resort island of Phuket who is wanted by the U.S. on allegations of carrying out cyberattacks against U.S. and European government agencies.

Police said the man entered Thailand through Phuket Airport on Oct. 30 and was taken into custody at his hotel earlier this month. He was reportedly arrested on Nov. 6 and transferred to Bangkok, where he is being held while officials consider a possible extradition request.

Officials did not publicly name the suspect. Russian state media identified him as Denis Obrezko, a native of Stavropol; his relatives say they plan to contest any attempt to extradite him to the United States. The U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. consular officials declined to comment on the case, and Thai authorities provided only limited details.

Consular contact and evidence recovered

Russian consular officials confirmed they were notified of the arrest and that embassy staff have visited the detainee in Bangkok to arrange consular assistance and family visits. Officials quoted the consul general in Phuket as saying the consulate "received notification of the arrest of a Russian citizen on charges of committing an information technology crime."

Thailand’s Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau said an FBI tip that the suspect was traveling to Thailand led to his arrest on an international warrant. During the hotel raid, police reported seizing laptop computers, mobile phones and digital wallets. The bureau also said FBI officials were present during the operation.

"Embassy staff conducted a consular visit to the Russian citizen detained at the request of the United States," a consular official said, adding that the embassy is arranging family access.

Some media outlets reported a second suspect with alleged ties to Russian military intelligence had been detained in Phuket the following day, but Thai police said only one arrest had been made. A formal extradition request has reportedly been filed; Thai authorities say it is unclear how long the legal process will take.

Authorities on both sides are limiting public comment while legal and diplomatic channels proceed. The case highlights growing international cooperation — and friction — in pursuing cross-border cybercrime suspects.