British Fugitives Arrested on Samui Island for Fraud and Robbery Charges and Allegedly Using Nominees for Businesses

Koh Samui–

Thai authorities have arrested two British nationals accused of serious financial crimes and robbery in their home country. The suspects had been allegedly evading legal action while operating multiple businesses in Koh Samui under nominee arrangements.

The Surat Thani Immigration told the Phuket Express that Mr. Kieren, 38, was apprehended near a pier in Bo Phut under an extradition warrant issued by the Thai Criminal Court on May 19th, 2025. He was wanted for armed robbery and will be extradited to the UK to face charges.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ashton 37, had been residing in Thailand under a tourist visa while allegedly running multiple businesses in Chaweng Beach. Investigators discovered that Ashton had previously been convicted of fraud in the UK but fled to Thailand, where he illegally operated several enterprises using Thai nominees.

Authorities raided seven businesses suspected of being linked to MR. ASHTON. Officials are now reviewing the legality of these establishments and any financial misconduct associated with them.

Following the investigation, MR. ASHTON visa was revoked, and he will be deported to the UK to face legal proceedings. Thai law enforcement reaffirmed their commitment to cracking down on transnational crime, ensuring that foreign fugitives cannot exploit the country’s tourism sector for illegal operations.

Further investigations into potential financial crimes and nominee arrangements remain ongoing.

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

Rapipun Suksawat
Goong Nang is a News Translator who has worked professionally for multiple news organizations in Thailand for more than eight years and has worked with The Pattaya News for more than five years. Specializes primarily in local news for Phuket, Pattaya, and also some national news, with emphasis on translation between Thai to English and working as an intermediary between reporters and English-speaking writers. Originally from Nakhon Si Thammarat, but lives in Phuket and Krabi except when commuting between the three.