22 Oct - The National Police Chief revealed that 11 locations were searched, related to The Icon, and warned celebrities to check the facts before releasing information. He is expediting the investigation of audio clips and will not exempt anyone who is found guilty. He revealed that the name of 'Boss Kant's' wife has not been found on the list of the second batch and she has not been found to have left the country. Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, along with Pol. Lt. Gen. Akkaradet Phimonsri, Assistant Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphop Phuridet, Commander-in-Chief of the Central Investigation Bureau, Pol. Maj. Gen. Sophon Saraphat, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Central Investigation Bureau, Pol. Maj. Gen. Suwat Saengnum, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Central Investigation Bureau, Pol. Maj. Gen. Witthaya Sriprasertphap, Commander of the Consumer Protection Police Division, and Pol. Maj. Gen. Montree Thesakan, Commander o f the Crime Suppression Division, jointly announced the progress after attending a meeting to follow up on the progress of the case of The Icon Group Co., Ltd. Pol. Gen. Kittirat revealed that for the filing of complaints throughout this morning, there were still victims who came to receive a queue card to file a complaint at the Central Investigation Bureau's complaint center, approximately 50 queues. For the total number of victims nationwide who filed complaints at the Central Investigation Bureau's complaint center and local police stations nationwide from October 10-21, 2024, there were a total of 6,979 people who came to file complaints, with a total damage value of over 2,046 million baht. Pol. Gen. Kittirat continued that all 18 suspects are currently being held at the special prison. As for the investigation, they are investigating both the financial trail and the financial account analysis. Today, a total of 11 locations were searched, which were related to employees and people close to the 18 sus pects. Currently, the search is underway and the results have not yet been reported because they want to conceal information or evidence that may be useful for the case. As for the second batch of arrest warrants, they are currently being investigated and evidence is being collected. Whether or not they are related to the 11 locations that were searched depends on the evidence. If clear evidence is found, legal action will be taken. He confirmed that if the investigation results and evidence implicate anyone at any level, they will all be prosecuted. When reporters asked if Mr. Kant's wife was on the list of the second arrest warrant, Pol. Gen. Kittirat said that she was not on the list at this time and had not been found to have traveled abroad. As for the distinction between victims and suspects, it must be said that some victims, when questioned, may later be found to be suspects. Therefore, they will be charged, which is all subject to careful and detailed analysis of their statements. However, victims w ho come forward will have the right to be victims first. All statements will have to go through an analysis of the evidence first. When reporters asked if there would be any additional charges against the 18 suspects, Pol. Gen. Kittirat said that they were under investigation. If any additional offenses were found, additional charges would be filed. Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphop said that regarding the information on Boss Paul's national ID card number, which starts with the number 5, an initial check of the population registration database found that it was an omission in the survey and that the name was added later, but it was confirmed that he was Thai. It has not been found that he is a foreigner. However, further investigation will be required. When reporters asked how the police would explain the case of a group of victims who went to file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission about the investigators leading to false damage, Pol. Gen. Kittirat said that it was up to any individual to understand, but he wanted to say that the police worked very hard and that the investigations required carefulness and thoroughness. Each type of offense has elements of the offense according to the law. If we only use our feelings and press charges against someone, we might end up being the ones being accused. For all the audio clips, I have assigned Pol. Maj. Gen. Charoonkiat Pankaew, Deputy Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, to be responsible, along with the Anti-Corruption Division. They are currently investigating and expanding all the evidence to find out who is involved. However, I will not disclose it at this time. However, I can say that Boss Paul has been questioned and it has been confirmed that the voice is indeed Boss Paul. If any person has clear evidence and has committed an offense against a government official or an offense against the country, the police will definitely not refrain from prosecuting the case. As for anyone who wants to show themselves or show their innocence, that is their ri ght to do so, but it all depends on the evidence. The individuals involved are currently being investigated and verified. In the case of the rumor that the female complainant is close to a police officer who is an expert in pyramid schemes, if it is found that it is a police officer or someone from any affiliation, if it is found that they are involved in the offense, legal action will be taken without exception. I am not worried or concerned. As for the money that Boss Paul transferred to the account of a senior monk in the amount of 1 million baht, will it need to be frozen for investigation? Pol. Gen. Kittirat stated that in any case, it must be seen whether there is any connection or not. It must be investigated and discretion and judgment must be used carefully in order to not cause widespread impact. However, if the money is suspicious, it can be frozen. It is in accordance with the investigation and asset seizure process. Initially, the police have seized all real estate, cars, and other assets of the suspects, totaling more than 400 million baht. As for the news that the suspects have converted digital currency, this matter has already been questioned and investigated by the Anti-Corruption Division. However, I would like to say that 'famous people or influencers should verify the facts before releasing such information to the public. This causes the public to be confused about the truth of why government officials allow the transfer of assets in the form of cryptocurrencies. Currently, an investigation is underway and the truth will be revealed soon. However, anyone who gives false information to the public media will be held responsible and prosecuted,' said Pol. Gen. Kittirat. As for the witnesses who came to testify to the Anti-Corruption Division and the DSI, are they the same person? Currently, it is under investigation. However, I would not yet talk about the details of the investigation and implicate any individuals if it is not clear in the facts. As for whether The Icon Group Company is involv ed or linked to online gambling websites, Pol. Gen. Kittirat stated that initially, no link was found to online gambling websites. In this regard, I would like to warn all those involved that attempts to transfer assets will only make the wrongdoing more apparent in the case. Initially, I would like to confirm that the case will be completed within 48 days, according to the timeframe specified by law. While Pol. Lt. Col. Sophon said that from the news that there will be a transfer of assets, the police themselves will go to check the CCTV footage. This type of action may be considered money laundering. In this regard, the officers will expedite the process. -419-Thai News Agency Source: Thai News Agencyl
