Jiraporn”, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, revealed that in 1 week, the police expanded the investigation into The iCon Group and coordinated with the Anti-Money Laundering Office to monitor the transfer of assets. He said that no one was spared who was at fault. The Consumer Protection Board invited “celebrities and influencers” to be questioned on 16 Oct. He pointed out that they should explain to the police, not through the media.
At 6:10 p.m., Ms. Jiraporn Sindhuphrai, Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, gave an interview after discussing with relevant parties in the case of victims from THE iCON GROUP, an online business operator and health food supplement product, with relevant agencies participating for approximately 2 hours. She said that the meeting invited the Royal Thai Police, the Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation, the Secretary-General of the Anti-Money Laundering Office, and the Secretary-General of the Consumer Protection Board to discuss the i
ssue that was trending in the news about a private company that had been complained about. The Acting Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police has ordered the establishment of a complaint center for the public. It was found that 250 people filed complaints, with damages worth 95 million baht. Currently, evidence is being collected to bring charges to the court, such as fraudulent investment in a pyramid scheme, direct selling, or whether it violates the Computer Act. She was informed that the investigation would be expedited as soon as possible, with results expected within a week.
The reporter asked whether the meeting discussed seizing assets or proposing it as a special case. Ms. Jiraporn said that evidence is being collected based on facts. We are concerned that there will be a transfer of assets. Therefore, the Consumer Protection Board has sent a letter to the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to have the assets seized first. The AMLO will monitor the assets. If there is any transfer, it may be
considered money laundering. Therefore, the public can rest assured that they have prepared to look into this matter. At this time, there is no seizure, but there are legal procedures. Please rest assured that the relevant agencies are monitoring the accounts and assets. In one week, the results of the fact-finding investigation will be known.
As for whether it will be brought in as a special case or not, Ms. Jiraporn said that there must be criteria of 300 victims with damages worth 100 million baht, then it will meet the criteria. At present, it is close to the criteria. The Royal Thai Police is expediting the process and will invite relevant agencies to join the investigation.
When asked if the meeting discussed issuing arrest warrants for celebrities involved, Ms. Jiraporn said that the Royal Thai Police would call them in for questioning, while the Consumer Protection Board would look into advertising laws. On October 16, the company and influencers would be called in for questioning and interrogation
to expand the investigation to cover other networks as well.
When asked if a celebrity or star is found guilty, will legal action be taken? Ms. Jiraporn said that everyone involved must come to give a statement.
When asked again about the celebrity involved in the advertising, she explained that it was not the boss. Ms. Jiraporn said that she had to explain to the police. Explaining through the media would not benefit her.
Previously, there were victims who went to file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Board, but the Consumer Protection Board stated that they did not fall under the category of damaged consumers. Is this the case now? Ms. Jiraporn said that the Consumer Protection Board does not consider that they are directly consumers, but has invited them to provide information, and many people have already informed them to stop on their own because they may have received compensation or received a refund in some cases. However, she emphasized that any case that exceeds the scope of the Consumer
Protection Board’s authority will be coordinated with relevant agencies to take action to expand the investigation. The acting national police chief has ordered an investigation into the previous incidents to see if there was any dereliction of duty.
As for the case where the Consumer Protection Board previously gave a plaque to THE iCON GROUP, Ms. Jiraporn explained that at that time, the company came to donate masks and alcohol to organize a seminar in the province for the House of Representatives committee. At that time, the Consumer Protection Board went to be a co-speaker, so the name was proposed to receive a plaque for public benefit, not related to business operations. Therefore, on this issue, she has ordered the Consumer Protection Board to investigate if the plaque was used for the wrong purpose, or advertised for business operations, or facilitated business operations, causing the public to misunderstand. If it falls under such circumstances, the plaque will be recalled.
As for the issue of the
audio clip stating that there is an angel at the Consumer Protection Board, Ms. Jiraporn asked the public to be at ease by confirming that an investigation committee will be set up, which will be made up of outsiders, in order to ensure the greatest transparency in this issue.
Source: Thai News Agency