Bangkok: Two businessmen have lodged a complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) after allegedly being deceived into investing by individuals claiming connections to a former Interior Minister. The scheme reportedly resulted in a financial loss of 7 million baht. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine whether the individuals involved are legitimate government officials.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Col. Thanakrit Jit-areerat, Secretary to the Minister of Public Health, and Dr. Pimmaithong Sakdipatphokin, leader of the Prom Party, accompanied Ms. Thipphayaporn and Mr. Naphatphon, both business contractors, to file the complaint. They reported to Pol. Maj. Gen. Charoonkiat Pankaew, Deputy Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau, to press charges against a couple claiming to be personal experts of the former Minister of the Interior. The alleged fraud involved promises of access to a billion-baht project and other schemes, leading to substantial financial damages.
Lt. Col. Thanakrit stated that the complaint was filed after extensive discussions, as the involved parties made several false claims. These included assertions of being political party leaders and personal experts to a former minister. They allegedly collected expenses for overseeing government projects and manipulated bidding processes. Additionally, they purportedly purchased a second-hand BMW worth 1,668,000 baht, along with 200,000 baht in cash, under the guise of it being for a former minister’s use.
Lt. Col. Thanakrit further indicated that a meeting was arranged with a military general, identified as ‘Lt. Gen.’, to verify his service status. The investigation also extends to claims of parliamentary committee involvement and the acquisition of educational qualifications through installment payments. The suspects used documents bearing the Ministry of Interior’s seal, raising suspicions about the possible involvement of government officials. The police have been tasked with investigating the legitimacy of these claims and assessing any criminal elements.
Pol. Col. Charoonkiat Pankaew stated that initial findings suggest multiple instances of fraud. The investigation will determine the existence of a related government construction project and assess whether government officials solicited benefits. The Crime Suppression Division has been directed to explore the widespread criminal activities reported.
Pol. Col. Anek Taosuphap, deputy commander of the Crime Suppression Division, noted that evidence indicates repeated deception by the suspects. Authorities are investigating potential connections to bribery or money laundering. If the allegations are proven false, they will be classified as fraud.