Thailand issues arrest warrants for 20 Israelis in sweeping Koh Samui business crackdown
Among the Israelis arrested was prominent real estate developer Gal Bieber, 45, who was detained on Saturday by officers from the Bo Phut Police Station.
Thai authorities have issued arrest warrants for 20 Israelis suspected of operating a complex network of businesses using Thai citizens as nominee shareholders. The operation targeting Koh Samui was the seventh phase of a broader government campaign aimed at exposing concealed foreign ownership of land and businesses in tourist areas.
Out of the 12,906 companies examined, 8,254 had foreign shareholders, and 875 raised suspicions of potential nominee shareholder usage. The focus narrowed to 61 companies, encompassing 42 plots of land and buildings valued at around 1.5 billion baht, belonging to 62 suspects, including 20 Israelis, 17 Russians, 12 French nationals, and two each from Ukraine and Germany.
Among those arrested was real estate developer Gal Bieber, who was detained on Saturday and faced allegations of providing false information, unlawful management of restricted businesses, and concealing foreign ownership through Thai citizens. Israeli Ambassador to Thailand Dr. Alona Fisher-Kamm met with Surat Thani Provincial Police commander Sawat Suksri and Tourist Police Division 3 commander Satasak Yimcharoen to discuss the situation, emphasizing the embassy's commitment to cooperation and ensuring the safety of Israeli tourists.
Roni Bieber, Gal's wife, denied the allegations, stating that the businesses were established and operated in compliance with Thai law, with the assistance of local professionals and a Thai lawyer and accountant.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
