Thai police have detained Russian nationals Ibrahim Gaitukiev and Maxim Varyukhin on charges of running an illegal cryptocurrency exchange. The investigation began after authorities found several online advertisements for buying and selling cryptocurrencies in tourist-heavy areas. By tracking phone numbers linked to WhatsApp accounts, the police discovered connections to bank accounts owned by Gaitukiev and Varyukhin.
Further investigations revealed that both men owned a cannabis shop in Thailand, where cannabis is legal. This shop was allegedly used as an office for their cryptocurrency exchange operations. Gaitukiev has been formally charged with illegal trading of cryptocurrencies. This case highlights Thailand’s strict enforcement against unregulated financial activities, particularly in the cryptocurrency space.
For further details, you can access the original report from the Bangkok Post: Read the full article here.
