Israeli National Detained at Samui Airport Over Alleged Nominee Land Deal
Authorities have arrested a 30-year-old Israeli national at Samui Airport on suspicion of using Thai nominees to unlawfully acquire land. The individual, identified as Eden Alisa, was apprehended by immigration officials from Surat Thani and Koh Phangan police.
An arrest warrant, issued by the Koh Samui Provincial Court on May 21, charges Mr. Alisa with submitting false statements to land officials. The allegations center on obtaining land rights through a company that allegedly employed Thai nationals as nominee shareholders.
Details of the Arrest and Allegations
Mr. Alisa was intercepted as he re-entered Thailand. Investigators stated that he is a shareholder in Alisa Paradise Co, a company believed to be involved in the alleged nominee arrangement. Reports indicate that Mr. Alisa had previously left the country before authorities could execute search warrants related to the case.
Acting on intelligence that he planned to return on a flight scheduled to arrive at Samui Airport around 10:30 am on Wednesday, law enforcement officers moved to make the arrest.
During initial questioning, the suspect reportedly admitted to being the individual named in the warrant. He informed investigators that he had engaged an accounting firm to establish Alisa Paradise Co and had utilized Thai nationals provided by the firm to act as nominee shareholders.
Land Acquisition and Future Plans
According to investigators, the company was instrumental in registering ownership of land on Koh Phangan. Mr. Alisa allegedly intended to develop this land into a private holiday residence in the future.
Following his arrest, the suspect was transferred to the Koh Phangan police station to face legal proceedings. Authorities have indicated that the investigation will be broadened to identify other individuals involved in the network, including the accounting firm and the Thai nationals who served as nominees.
Crackdown on Foreign Nominee Schemes
The Royal Thai Police Office has been intensifying its efforts to combat illegal nominee arrangements and foreign business operations that circumvent ownership laws by using Thai proxies. Law enforcement is specifically targeting foreign-backed schemes accused of unlawfully acquiring land, negatively impacting local livelihoods, or operating through Thai fronts.
This arrest follows a significant operation in mid-May, codenamed “Dismantling Foreign Nominee Networks on Koh Phangan.” That operation resulted in the issuance of arrest warrants for 45 individuals. To date, 27 of those named have been apprehended, with authorities actively pursuing the remaining 18 suspects.
