A suspected senior member of an Israeli criminal network known as “The Avengers” has been arrested on Koh Samui in a coordinated operation involving Thai authorities, Interpol and Israeli officials.
Immigration Bureau Division 6 commander Pol Maj Gen Chutharet Yingyongdamrongsakul confirmed on April 30 that 28-year-old Matan Aviv was detained on Wednesday afternoon following intelligence sharing with Interpol and the Israeli Embassy in Thailand.
Authorities said Aviv is believed to be a high-ranking figure in the organised crime group based in Israel and has a criminal history involving prison sentences for offences including theft, fraud, illegal weapons possession and drug-related crimes.
He is also reportedly wanted in multiple ongoing cases in Israel involving serious allegations such as murder, explosives-related offences, threats, possession of prohibited equipment, and drug offences linked to minors.
Acting on intelligence, Thai immigration officers tracked the suspect to a luxury villa in Koh Samui district, Surat Thani, where he was staying with associates before carrying out a raid at around 4pm.
Aviv was taken into custody without incident and has since had his permission to remain in Thailand revoked, with authorities initiating deportation proceedings in line with an Interpol notice and an active arrest warrant.
He has also been blacklisted, permanently barring him from re-entering Thailand.
Officials said the arrest is part of a wider Royal Thai Police crackdown on transnational crime and foreign nationals considered a risk to public safety.
Authorities have encouraged the public to report suspicious foreign activity, as Thailand continues to see a series of recent arrests involving Israeli nationals linked to various criminal investigations across tourist destinations.
