Bangkok: The legal proceedings involving The Icon Group Company Limited remain in a state of limbo as “Big Tao” disclosed that he is still waiting for “Boss Paul’s” legal representative to file a formal complaint against several singers allegedly involved in extortion. Pol. Lt. Col. Charoonkiat Pankaew, deputy commander of the Central Investigation Bureau, expressed the urgency of filing the complaint to expedite the legal process.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Col. Charoonkiat has been in coordination with Mr. Witthayu Kaengngan, the lawyer representing Mr. Woratphon Woratworakul, also known as Boss Paul, urging him to hasten the complaint filing. Mr. Witthayu, however, has cited scheduling conflicts, delaying the filing until October 31, 2024. Pol. Lt. Col. Charoonkiat suggested that other lawyers in Mr. Witthayu’s team could step in to prevent further delays, emphasizing the public interest in resolving the case efficiently.
Despite concerns about the delay, Pol. Lt. Col. Charoonkiat assured th
at it would not affect the case’s outcome. He stressed the importance of setting a precedent for transparency and fairness, particularly in cases involving groups reportedly extorting money under the guise of public service. The deputy commander highlighted the need for thorough investigations involving multiple individuals, including singers identified by initials S., T., and A., and the importance of ensuring justice for all parties involved.
The investigative responsibilities have been divided among various divisions: the Technology Crime Suppression Division, the Crime Suppression Division, and the Anti-Corruption Division, each handling specific aspects of the case. Pol. Lt. Col. Charoonkiat emphasized the need for victims to file complaints to enable the police to proceed with their work.
Addressing potential misunderstandings, Pol. Lt. Col. Charoonkiat clarified that he holds no personal conflict with Lawyer Tum and remains committed to professional conduct. He reiterated the necessity for Boss Paul
and the victims to cooperate with law enforcement to prevent further exploitation by those misusing their authority.
Pol. Col. Charoonkiat plans to communicate with relevant agencies, including the Consumer Protection Board and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), to gather facts and ensure the integrity of the investigation. He underscored the importance of filing complaints to establish the truth and prevent misinformation.
As the case progresses, Pol. Col. Charoonkiat called on Boss Paul to fulfill his commitment to file the complaint, highlighting the police’s dedication to resolving the matter and ensuring accountability for all parties involved.