21-2-2024 (BANGKOK) Deputy National Police Chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn has been identified as a suspect in an online gambling case, potentially facing multiple charges, including money laundering, according to Deputy Chief of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), Pol Maj Gen Charoonkiat Pankaew.
Pol Maj Gen Charoonkiat confirmed that Pol Gen Surachate is one of five additional police officers suspected of involvement in an online gambling network allegedly operated by 25-year-old single mother Suchanun Sucharitchinsri, also known as Minnie. The suspicion arose during an expanded investigation into the initial case related to Minnie’s gambling websites.
In the main case, which involves 61 suspects, including police officers, there is an ongoing investigation. The second case, implicating high-level police officers, has been forwarded to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), which will decide whether to handle it or delegate it back to the police. Pol Maj Gen Charoonkiat expressed the police’s preference to handle both cases, emphasizing their interconnected nature.
The five officers in the second case are initially expected to face charges of malfeasance and taking bribes under Sections 157 and 149 of the Criminal Code. If the NACC returns the case to the police, the suspects may also confront money laundering charges, according to Pol Maj Gen Charoonkiat.
He dismissed any suggestion that the legal action was politically motivated within the Royal Thai Police, asserting that it stems from a comprehensive investigation revealing the involvement of police officers and transactions exceeding 300 million baht in cash.
The ongoing investigation has amassed sufficient evidence, including financial statements detailing money withdrawals and transactions involving various individuals associated with the cases. Pol Maj Gen Charoonkiat emphasized the significance of addressing financial irregularities to prevent harm to the police force’s reputation.
Pol Gen Surachate, a prominent figure known for handling high-profile cases, was previously considered for promotion to the national police chief position. However, Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol secured the role. Pol Gen Surachate, at the time, stated that he was in no rush and had eight years until retirement.
The investigation into online gambling sites included a raid on Pol Gen Surachate’s residence in September last year, conducted under the operation name “Big Cleaning Day.”
