Thai authorities have arrested two Russian nationals on suspicion of premeditated murder in connection with the disappearance of Mikhail Yemelyanov, a 30-year-old man who had been living in Thailand for two years.
Yemelyanov vanished on January 7 after warning his mother, Olga Lazarenko, that he would meet with two Russians—a situation he described as potentially dangerous for himself. Police discovered the victim’s remains near Pattaya, where he had been residing. The body was identified by Lazarenko and reportedly found in black plastic bags along with clothing consistent with what Yemelyanov wore on the day of his disappearance.
The suspects, 35-year-old Yaroslav Demidov and 38-year-old Dmitry Maskalev, are accused of dismembering the victim and attempting to conceal evidence by moving and destroying traces of the crime. Thai police state that both men had been in contact with Yemelyanov prior to his disappearance.
Both individuals remain in custody as the investigation continues.
