Bangkok: The Commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) has initiated a thorough investigation into the financial connections of an online gambling network, seeking to uncover any links to “Tid Yaem,” the former abbot of Wat Rai Khing. This decision follows a meeting with the deputy commander of the Central Investigation Bureau, who provided crucial financial information.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Maj. Gen. Charoonkiat Pankaew, deputy commander of the Central Investigation Bureau, along with Pol. Maj. Gen. Prasong Chalermphan, commander of the Anti-Corruption Division (ACD), presented evidence of embezzlement from Wat Rai Khing’s accounts. The meeting with Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwpaen, commander of the TCSD, focused on whether these funds were linked to the gambling network.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong stated that no further financial links have been discovered beyond Ms. Aranyawan and Mr. Ekaphon, who are already implicated in the embezzlement case. Investigations will now extend back to 2020, the year the gambling website was reportedly launched, to examine any possible embezzlement activities connected to the former abbot.
The investigation into Mr. Yaem’s financial activities is centered on three primary questions: whether there was a loan between him and Ms. Aranyawan, his involvement in gambling activities, and if he provided funds for investment in the gambling website. Authorities are scrutinizing information from the Central Investigation Bureau and Ms. Aranyawan’s mobile phone to gather evidence.
Despite Ms. Aranyawan’s claims of merely being a gambler, police have enough evidence to charge her with organizing gambling and money laundering. This follows the discovery of money sourced from an individual’s account and subsequently used for gambling.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong emphasized that embezzling funds from Wat Rai Khing and transferring them to other accounts constitutes a basic money laundering offense. Investigators are working to establish any links between the gambling website network and Mr. Yaem.
Meanwhile, authorities are searching for Mr. Mahesak, identified as the main suspect and primary beneficiary of the gambling network. Investigations reveal that he has not legally entered or exited the country, suggesting he may have fled through unofficial channels. The TCSD is intensifying efforts to gather evidence and establish the financial connections within the gambling network.