5-4-2024 (BANGKOK) Allegations of money laundering tied to online gambling have surfaced against the deputy national police chief, Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, as revealed by a committee established by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.
The panel, formed on March 20 to scrutinize cases involving Pol Gen Surachate, also known as Big Joke, and Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, the national police chief referred to as Big Tor, has found sufficient grounds to warrant further investigation into the allegations.
In response, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has transferred both officials to inactive posts pending the outcome of the probe. This decision follows a protracted public feud marked by accusations of corruption exchanged between supporters of each officer.
Led by Pol Gen Winai Thongsong, a former police chief, the panel includes notable figures such as Chatchai Promlert, a former permanent secretary of the interior ministry, and Chatipong Jiraphan, a former deputy attorney-general.
Unanimously concurring with the findings of the Criminal Court, the panel determined Pol Gen Surachate’s involvement in money laundering activities linked to the BNK Master gambling network.
Pol Gen Winai assured that the investigation would be concluded within 60 days, with a report to be submitted to the premier promptly. The panel intends to summon all relevant individuals, including lawyer Sittra Biebangkerd and other implicated parties, for questioning and further evidence disclosure next Wednesday.
Of particular interest is Sittra Biebangkerd’s claim regarding financial transactions implicating Pol Gen Torsak and his spouse in the gambling network, prompting scrutiny into the veracity of these documents.
Emphasizing the panel’s autonomy, Pol Gen Winai stated that it possesses full authority to interrogate both state officials and individuals associated with the case, without encroaching upon court proceedings.
Meanwhile, Sittra Biebangkerd, in his capacity as the secretary-general of the Foundation of People’s Lawyers, has submitted additional evidence to the Tao Poon police station. Accompanied by a new witness, identified as Ms. Pimvilai, complaints were filed against Pol Gen Torsak, his wife, and two alleged “mule” account owners.
Ms. Pimvilai acknowledged transferring funds to several mule accounts through various channels, some allegedly linked to the police chief and his spouse. Notably, evidence suggests monthly payments of one million baht to cyber police, as asserted by Mr. Sittra.
