Bangkok: The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the Public Prosecutor's Office convened for their inaugural meeting to address "The Icon" case, part 2, following the Attorney General's decision to indict Boss Min and Boss Sam. This significant meeting marked a crucial step in advancing the prosecution of those involved in the alleged fraudulent activities of The Icon Group Co., Ltd.
According to Thai News Agency, the DSI, under the leadership of Police Lieutenant Colonel Yutthana Praedam, Director-General of the DSI, had previously assigned the Non-Systemic Financial Crimes Division and a team of special investigators to probe Special Case No. 119/2567. This case pertains to the criminal prosecution of The Icon Group Co., Ltd., often referred to as the The Icon pyramid scheme, along with Special Case No. 115/2567, which focuses on the associated money laundering activities. On December 20, 2024, the Special Investigation Unit reached a unanimous decision to indict all 18 suspects and one legal entity on charges including fraud against the public, violation of the Computer Crime Act, fraudulent public lending, and breaches of direct selling and marketing laws. The case file was forwarded to the Special Prosecutor's Office on December 23, 2024. However, the Special Prosecutor's Office initially dismissed charges against two suspects, leading to their temporary release from detention.
The Special Prosecutor's Office then relayed the case file, alongside its opinion and decision not to prosecute, to the Director-General of the DSI for potential dissenting opinions. On April 6, 2025, the Director-General of the DSI reviewed the evidence and recommended the indictment of the two suspects, forwarding the case to the Attorney General for a final decision. On February 18, 2026, the Attorney General decided to indict the suspects. The Special Prosecutor's Office has scheduled a meeting for the suspects to appear for indictment. Should they fail to appear, the DSI will be instructed to bring them before the public prosecutor. The case has been expanded into two special cases, Special Case No. 17/2568 and Special Case No. 18/2568, to collect additional testimonies from victims not included in the main case file.
As of 10:00 AM on February 27th, the meeting in Bangkok aimed to discuss the case between DSI investigators and public prosecutors. The meeting was led by Mr. Wacharin Phanurat and Pol. Lt. Col. Wisanu Chimtrakul, among others, and focused on further questioning of victims involved in The Icon Co., Ltd. The DSI has taken on two additional special cases to investigate victims outside Thailand, with 30 individuals from 13 countries and damages totaling 9.44 million baht. So far, 10 victims have been interviewed, leaving 19 pending interviews.
Mr. Wacharin Phanurat stated that today's meeting concerns Special Case No. 17/2568, involving charges of fraudulent borrowing and false information dissemination. The case involves offenses committed outside Thailand, and the Special Prosecution Division has already issued indictments against two individuals, Boss Min and Boss Sam. The DSI Director-General disagreed with the Special Prosecution Division's initial dismissals, leading to the Attorney General's final decision to indict.
The case within Thailand involves charges against all suspects, with the Special Prosecutor expected to summon Boss Min and Boss Sam for indictment. Mr. Wacharin emphasized that Special Case 17/2568 can now proceed with investigating victims outside Thailand who have filed complaints with the DSI. The Attorney General's office will collaborate with the DSI in this process, offering advice and consultation.
Reporters noted that the meeting also addressed the Attorney General's decision to indict two suspects. There was a discussion on whether their names should be included in new special investigation files, given reports from other victims. The investigation team will consider whether to travel abroad to interview victims or conduct the investigation using existing authority. The International Criminal Cooperation Act of 1992 provides a framework for such international investigations.
An internal report highlighted that if victims were overlooked, complaints filed against specific bosses would lead to separate charges for each offense. This method ensures that each instance of deception is addressed as a distinct offense.