Thai Police Disguise Themselves as Gardeners to Weed Out Finnish Fugitive Hiding in Bangkok

Police arrest the Finnish fugitive at his house in Bangkok on Monday. (Police photo)

BANGKOK, July 1: Thai immigration officers arrested a 69-year-old Finnish fugitive in Bangkok after using an unusual undercover tactic — disguising themselves as gardeners to lure him out of his hiding place.

The man, wanted by Interpol over alleged fraud and tax evasion charges in Finland involving losses of more than 4 million baht, had been staying at a residence in Bangkok’s Romklao area, according to Thai authorities.

Investigators said the suspect rarely left his home and had covered the windows of the property in an apparent attempt to avoid detection. However, officers noticed he regularly came outside to complain whenever gardeners arrived to trim trees near the house.

Using the information, immigration officers posed as gardeners and began cutting plants outside the residence. When the suspect came out to confront them, officers identified themselves and carried out the arrest without resistance.

Following the arrest, Thai authorities revoked the man's visa. He is now awaiting deportation to Finland, where he is expected to face the outstanding legal proceedings.

The unusual operation has attracted attention online, with many praising the officers’ patience and creative approach in tracking down the fugitive.