Latest news with #PolMajYutthana
Bangkok Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
DSI zeroes in on 10 suspects in Senate vote-rigging case
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) expects to initially identify around 10 suspects in the Senate vote-rigging case involving alleged collusion and money laundering. DSI director-general Pol Maj Yutthana Praedam said witnesses have been summoned to testify, and a meeting of the special investigation team will be held on Thursday to determine the next steps. Pol Maj Yutthana said evidence suggests a large group of suspected associates received money to register as candidates -- not to win themselves, but to vote for certain others. Investigators have found grounds to allege wrongdoing, but stressed that each case must be assessed individually. Some participants may have accepted money to register without realising it was part of a collusive scheme. Their intent must be taken into account, he said. So far, about 10 individuals are believed to be involved. Pol Maj Yutthana said findings are still being compiled to determine whether there was any violation of the Organic Act on the appointment of senators. DSI officials are working jointly with the Election Commission (EC) on the matter. He added that if any evidence implicates political figures -- including executives of the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) mentioned in EC documents -- they will be summoned for questioning. Meanwhile, the EC has dismissed a complaint filed in Amnat Charoen province accusing 206 Senate candidates across 20 occupational groups of lacking the required experience and engaging in vote-buying. The complainant failed to provide supporting evidence and declined to testify, while the accused candidates maintained they met all legal qualifications and were endorsed by individuals who verified their credentials. The investigation also found no suspicious financial activity linked to the candidates, the EC said. As for the allegation that the candidates had formed a group and agreed to register in order to vote for each other, the inquiry found all 20 gave consistent statements.
Bangkok Post
11-07-2025
- Bangkok Post
DSI probes 'mass kickbacks'
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is intensifying its probe into a suspected money laundering operation involving kickbacks and fees illegally collected from Cambodian migrant workers seeking to renew their work permits. Authorities believe the scheme may be linked to senior officials in the neighbouring country and could be worth more than 450 million baht. The case reportedly involves payments of 2,500 baht per worker, allegedly demanded by private agencies facilitating online permit renewals, DSI spokesperson Pol Lt Col Woranan Srilam said yesterday. Workers were told their applications would not be processed unless the fee was paid, despite no such requirement under official Labour Ministry regulations, he said, adding the investigation began after numerous complaints from employers and migrant workers. On July 3, DSI officers searched four locations in Bangkok, including a recruitment agency in Khlong Sam Wa district. Officials seized documents, bank records, and digital evidence believed to show the movement of funds through mule accounts held by Thai and foreign nationals. According to DSI estimates, more than 180,000 of all 280,000 Cambodian workers in the country have renewed their work permits. If each was charged the 2,500-baht fee, the total amount collected could exceed 450 million baht, said Pol Maj Yutthana Praedam, director-general of the DSI, who led the July 3 raids. If all 280,000 were subjected to the fee, the figure could approach 700 million baht. Some of the funds were allegedly transferred to high-ranking Cambodian officials, Pol Maj Yutthana said. Preliminary findings indicate that two to three Cambodian officials may be involved, as investigators have traced about 100 million baht in transfers from Thai accounts to those linked to these officials, he added. However, the DSI is still collecting full transaction records from various banks, and the total amount is expected to be even higher, he noted. Investigators have also found some of the money was later returned to Thai individuals or companies, suggesting an attempt to conceal the financial trail, he said, adding the DSI was analysing bank statements and transaction records to confirm these links. Authorities are also exploring whether the scheme fits the legal definition of a criminal organisation under Thai law. If so, participants could face charges related to organised crime and money laundering, said Pol Maj Yutthana.
