Bangkok: The court sentenced "Lawyer Tum" to 5 years and 12 months in prison and ordered him to pay "Aoy" 72.5 million baht in compensation. The case involves fraud and deception in an online lottery investment scheme, the purchase of a Mercedes-Benz, and violations of the Computer Crime Act.
According to Thai News Agency, the Criminal Court announced its verdict in a case where the Public Prosecutor's Office, Special Cases Division 1, and Ms. Jatuporn Ubollert, known as "Jae Aoy," filed charges against Mr. Sittha Biabangkerd, or "Lawyer Tum," his wife Ms. Panita Biabangkerd, and several associates. They faced charges of habitual fraud, money laundering, conspiracy to launder money, and fraudulently obtaining over 100 million baht from Jae Aoy through multiple transfers. The case involved 71 million baht for an online lottery platform, 13 million baht for a Mercedes-Benz, and 39 million baht for payments to Chinese artists via Bitcoin. Jae Aoy maintained that she was deceived, while Lawyer Tum claimed the payments were gifts.
The court found Lawyer Tum guilty of fraud, sentencing him to 4 years and 6 months in prison, with an additional 1 year and 6 months for violating the Computer Crime Act. He was also ordered to pay 72.5 million baht in damages to Ms. Aoy, plus interest.
Mr. Decha Kittivithayanant and Mr. Panthep Puapongs, present for the verdict, provided additional insights. They explained that the fraud charge related to a 71 million baht transfer, which Lawyer Tum alleged was for an online lottery business and was a gift. The court examined chat logs and financial records, revealing that the funds were deposited into Lawyer Tum's personal account and not used as claimed, leading to his conviction.
The court also addressed the acquisition of a Mercedes-Benz for 13 million baht, noting forged receipts and false documentation. This was deemed fraudulent, resulting in a 1 year and 6 months prison sentence for Lawyer Tum.
Regarding the 39 million baht payment for Chinese artists, the court identified Nu and Sa as the main perpetrators, who have confessed and been sentenced separately. Lawyer Tum was not penalized for this matter, nor for a 9 million baht hotel project, as the court determined he acted as a designer.
In a courtroom statement, Lawyer Tum requested that his case serve as a learning example for new judges, emphasizing the significance of witness testimony over forensic evidence. Upon leaving the courtroom, he expressed confidence in his innocence regarding the 71 million baht case, citing unpresented chat evidence.