Thai police have reportedly detained a Russian man in Phuket who is believed to be a “world class” hacker and an agent for Russia’s GRU military intelligence. This individual has been on the FBI’s most wanted list for several years and is suspected of involvement in highly significant international incidents. These incidents include major cyberattacks targeting the Hillary Clinton election campaign and the Novichok poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal in the UK. The detention of the suspected 35-year-old super hacker took place on the popular tourist island of Phuket, where he was arrested in a hotel.
While officials have not yet officially named the suspect, there is strong speculation that the arrested man is Alexey Lukashev. This suspicion was amplified by the Russian-linked Telegram channel VOT TAK, which stated, “The Russian ‘world-class hacker’ arrested in Thailand may be GRU officer Aleksey Lukashev.” Furthermore, blurred images released from the detention show a notable resemblance to the FBI’s wanted poster for Lukashev, including his approximate age. The presence of FBI agents in Thailand during the operation lends further credence to the high-stakes nature of the arrest.
The operation was initiated following intelligence provided to Thai authorities by the FBI. This intelligence indicated that an alleged cyber criminal accused of “breaching security systems and attacking government agencies in Europe and the US” was traveling to Phuket. The man was tracked after his arrival in Thailand on October 30, 2025, via Phuket International Airport.
Upon confirmation of his presence and location, the suspect was placed under close surveillance. The arrest was ultimately carried out by Thai authorities at a hotel, acting on the specific request of the FBI. This coordinated action suggests a significant international effort to apprehend the alleged hacker.
The detention of this individual marks a major development in the pursuit of those responsible for some of the most high-profile and politically sensitive cyberattacks and clandestine operations of recent years. The expected legal proceedings will likely focus on his suspected ties to Russian military intelligence and the specific charges of cyber criminality in Europe and the US.
Reference:
