Russian DJ Vigen Atoyan was arrested in Koh Phangan for running an AI-powered drug ring using Telegram bots to sell cocaine, ketamine and MDMA to tourists across eight provinces. Police seized drugs, crypto and devices.

Atoyan promoted and expanded his network through his work as a well-known DJ, performing at parties across the holiday islands of Surat Thani. Officers quickly identified Atoyan, who performed under the alias “DJ Vigen.” LE then made contact through WhatsApp and Telegram, posing as buyers. Atoyan, was caught in a sting by police.

According to police, the suspect offered cocaine and ketamine. He allegedly used Telegram bots and GPS drop-offs to manage sales. Buyers could select their drug type, choose a province, pay in crypto and receive photos showing where to pick up the drugs.

“This was not normal street dealing,” said a senior officer. “It was clean, contactless and run by AI.”

The sting took place at Hua Thian Pier in Tambon Ban Tai. Undercover officers arranged to meet Atoyan and purchase several drugs. The deal included cocaine, ketamine and MDMA.

Before the bust, police prepared ฿13,000 in marked bills. When Atoyan arrived, officers sprang into action. He tried to flee on a red Honda motorcycle but ran into a dead end.

While escaping, he threw several plastic bags into the sea. Officers recovered the bags on nearby rocks. They contained 2.2 grams of cocaine, 2.04 grams of ketamine, and 1.12 grams of MDMA.

Police also seized four Salt Hub e-cigarettes (peach flavour), two phones (an iPhone 14 and an Oppo), and a red motorcycle. The marked money used in the sting was also collected as evidence.

Authorities believe the drugs may have been sourced from a Telegram user called “Coco Islands.” This person reportedly supplies foreign dealers across Thailand’s nightlife hotspots. Police are now investigating possible connections to broader trafficking networks.

Although DJ Vigen has been apprehended senior officers in Thailand worry this form of dealing commonly seen in russia’s darknet scene could be the beginning of a growing trend in the thailand’s drugs trade online.