Bangkok: The Chairman of the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) Committee has revealed that seven private companies implicated in scam activities have requested a delay in providing disclosure, with an expected extension of no more than 15 days. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the AMLO are set to investigate the financial trails but have agreed to keep the identities of the companies undisclosed until a thorough fact-finding investigation is completed.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Danupon Punnakan, Chairman of the Anti-Money Laundering and Narcotics Commission, mentioned that the committee meeting focused on tracking international scammers amid rumors of gray money investments in Thailand through major Thai companies listed on the Stock Exchange. Despite the invitation extended to the Stock Exchange of Thailand and the AMLO to inspect the seven companies, none were able to attend the committee meeting.
Both the SEC and AMLO participated in the committee meeting to discuss the situation involving transnational call center gangs allegedly funneling illegal money into Thailand for investment purposes. The legitimacy of these claims is currently under scrutiny. The involved companies, all listed on the stock exchange, have sought a deferment in presenting their information to the directors, which is anticipated to last no longer than 15 days. A subsequent committee meeting will be scheduled once the private companies are prepared to provide the required information.
Mr. Danupon further indicated that while the SEC has yet to furnish any information to the Commission, details have been disseminated through various media outlets. The Commission has reached out for this information, which will be submitted to the AMLO for deeper investigation. He noted that the importation of gray money into Thailand could potentially occur through banks, given that the major investment companies involved are listed entities, which makes physical cash transactions unlikely. The financial trails will be examined to establish any possible connections, with concerns raised about whether such gray money stems from bribes to officials and if it continues to support governmental figures.
The committee has uncovered evidence of financial trails, but Mr. Danupon refrained from providing specifics, citing concerns about potential inaccuracies that could harm the companies’ reputations. These entities, being listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, are regarded as reputable, and any false information could jeopardize their credibility, affecting stock exchange investments. Consequently, he called for the information to be submitted to the SEC and AMLO for a comprehensive investigation.