Bangkok: Cyber police confirm they have clear evidence that a parliamentary candidate in Tak province received benefits from a gambling website.
According to Thai News Agency, cyber police have confirmed, based on evidence, that a parliamentary candidate in Tak province benefited from the Nakarin 789 gambling website. Evidence of money transfers to customers was found in the Parliament area and at the party headquarters.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Surapol Prembutr, Commander of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, announced the arrest of a gambling website network, "Nakarin 789," following yesterday's arrest of a candidate for Member of Parliament from the Orange Party. Two gambling websites, 789.org and Nakarin789.com, were found to be involved, with a turnover exceeding 300 million baht. Regarding the modus operandi, Pol. Col. Kampee Phromsonti, Deputy Commander of Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau 3, explained that they received complaints about the gambling websites, leading to an investigation that resulted in 12 arrest warrants and the arrest of three individuals. The first group of suspects confessed to being recruited by the aforementioned MP to become website administrators and work at a house in the Nuanchan area since 2022. An investigation into the money trail revealed that funds from the gambling websites, both through deposit accounts and temporary accounts, were transferred to the MP candidate's account, and cash withdrawal s were also made between them.
This included an examination of the phones of the first group of suspects, which revealed evidence of orders from a Member of Parliament regarding various tasks. This evidence indicated that this MP was a beneficiary of the gambling website. Therefore, an arrest warrant was obtained from the Criminal Court, and the group was apprehended at their residence in Soi Nuanchan.
Furthermore, police discovered that the former MP transferred money to clients at four main locations: his home in Nuanchan, Bangkok; his home in Mae Sot, Tak Province; the Parliament; and the office of his former political party. Based on the evidence, police believe the former MP is indeed the perpetrator, as there were direct deposits into his account between 2022 and 2023. However, the total amount is still being investigated, but it is estimated to be in the millions of baht. After 2023, the former MP switched to other accounts, using "mock accounts" (informant accounts), and had cash withdrawals made to him after entering politics. He admitted that there are numerous "mock accounts" on various websites, and these are currently under investigation.
Initially, police will prosecute him for money laundering. Following his arrest, the former MP denied all charges. A preliminary investigation into his assets revealed real estate, vehicles, and commercial buildings in Mae Sot District, Tak Province, which may have been acquired through illegal activities. Further investigation will determine the extent of these assets. Currently, there is no indication of funds flowing into a political party.
When asked about the claim that he was being politically persecuted, it is his right to say so. However, during the investigation, we didn't know who was behind it. We traced the case back to a gambling website until we found the name of someone we suspected benefited. Upon checking their background, we discovered they were a politician. We affirm that we were thorough and meticulous.
Regarding whether he was one of the 10 names previously mentioned by the Minister of Justice, Pol. Col. Kamphi stated that it was unrelated because the matter had already been investigated and handled by the Thai Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (TCIB).
Regarding public questions about whether the prosecution is targeting the "Orange" political party, Pol. Gen. Surapol affirmed that there were no specific orders regarding politicians in this matter. He stated that the investigation was based on evidence, starting with a complaint. At that time, there was no information about any politicians involved. The investigation proceeded according to the facts, expanding until the perpetrators were identified. He acknowledged that the timing might have been coincidental. He emphasized that there was no harassment or targeting of any particular party, as arrest warrants have already been obtained. When asked if the Minister of Justice had provided a list of 10 politicians involved in illicit funds for investigation, Pol. Gen. Surapol stated that no names were provided, only policy directives and instructions to prevent further wrongdoing. Whether additional arrest warrants will be issued is currently under investigation as evidence is being gathered.