Federal Fugitive Arrested in Thailand

On June 5, 2013, Royal Thai Tourist Police, with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations (HIS) in Bangkok, arrested federal fugitive Paul David Cardwell. Cardwell was arrested following a tip provided to HSI Bangkok that Cardwell was residing in Hua Hin, Thailand. HSI Bangkok personnel traveled to Hua Hin and verified that the individual was Cardwell. Royal Thai Tourist Police were contacted, and Cardwell was arrested.

It is alleged that Cardwell, with other co-conspirators, defrauded a Wyoming hospital of approximately $850,000 and traveled to Thailand to purchase real estate with the proceeds. HSI Bangkok began an investigation into Cardwell’s activities in Thailand.

On March 27, 2012, Cardwell surrendered to federal authorities and was charged with violation of numerous federal fraud statutes in U.S. District Court in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He was released on bond following arraignment. As part of the condition of his release, he surrendered his U.S. passport. Cardwell left the United States after attempting to procure another passport under a different identity.

U.S. Embassy Bangkok, American Citizen Services will be coordinating Cardwell’s return to the U.S. Cardwell will be held in Thai custody until such time as he is transported back to the U.S.

The case was investigated by the DHS-Homeland Security Investigation, the FBI, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

An indictment is only an accusation. In every criminal case, the accused is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty, and the government always has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.