Bangkok: The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) convened a meeting to discuss the progress of the money laundering case concerning The Icon Group, with a focus on the 2.5 million baht transfer to the account of Mr. Samart's mother. The DSI emphasized that due to the severe penalty associated with the case, an arrest warrant must be issued instead of a summons. According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Col. Yuthana Phraedam, director-general of the DSI, appointed Pol. Lt. Col. Wisanu Chimtrakul to lead the meeting on the money laundering and conspiracy case linked to The Icon Group, involving Mr. Samart, former deputy spokesman of the Palang Pracharath Party, and his mother, Ms. Wilawan, as suspects. The investigation also uncovered potentially false documentary evidence, which may have been crafted by someone with legal expertise to aid the accused. While the DSI has not confirmed the authenticity of the document, its creation is suspected. Mrs. Samart's claim that the DSI bypassed a summons in favor o f an arrest warrant is attributed to the case's severe penalty, exceeding three years, necessitating court approval for an arrest warrant. During a search of Mr. Samart's residence on November 25, investigators discovered a document dated November 12, 2014, reportedly prepared by one of the accused's lawyers at the Bangkok Special Prison. The document details 12 money transfers to Ms. Wilawan, amounting to 2,239,999 baht, described as loans and charitable donations, which Mr. Samart allegedly repaid in cash. The DSI continues to expand its investigation into these findings.
