Investigators gathering more evidence about extortion ring linked to crusading petitioner
PUBLISHED : 15 Feb 2024 at 18:05
The wife of prolific petitioner Srisuwan Janya on Thursday reported to police to acknowledge charges related to the attempted extortion case against her husband.
Naphatpapha Janya, 43, accompanied by a lawyer, met investigators at the Anti-Corruption Division (ACD) offices after a summons was issued. Investigators said they had found evidence that linked her to receiving money intended for her husband and his associates.
Ms Naphatpapha cooperated fully with officers, who were expected to inform her about a charge of supporting officials to unlawfully demand or receive money, said Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat Pankaew said, the deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB).
He said he believed investigators would grant her bail.
An investigation showed that Ms Naphatpapha was present during the delivery of 500,000 baht at her home. This suggested that she was aware of the payment to her husband, said Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat.
Investigators have also obtained evidence showing that she had witnessed the delivery of another 100,000 baht a day before police raided her home.
Mr Srisuwan was arrested at his house in Pathum Thani on Jan 26 when 500,000 baht was delivered to his home by undercover police.
He and three alleged accomplices — Yoswaris Chuklom, also known as Jeng Dokjik; Phimnattha Chiraphutthiphak and Eakluck Wareechol — are accused of trying to extort Natthakit Khongthip, the director-general of the Rice Department at the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives.
Mr Srisuwan, Mr Yoswaris and Ms Phimnattha are accused of demanding 3 million baht (later reduced to 1.5 million after negotiations) from Mr Natthakit. They allegedly told him that if he did not pay, they would expose corruption in projects at his department.
Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat said investigators on Wednesday also questioned a person who opened a bank account for the accused extortionists. “The officers are considering whether to treat this person as a witness or press charges. A preliminary investigation showed the amount of money transferred to this bank account was not high,” he said.
The investigation team has also worked closely with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) to seize assets of those involved in the alleged extortion, he added.
Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat Pankaew, deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, speaks to reporters about the extortion case involving petitioner Srisuwan Janya and his alleged accomplices. (Photo supplied/Wassayos Ngamkham)