Pyramid scheme charges added to multi-billion-baht iCon Group case

Several iCon Group suspects are seen in police custody at the Central Investigation Bureau in Bangkok on Oct 17. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)
On October 17, a number of sign Group suspects were spotted in officers prison at Bangkok’s Central Investigation Bureau. ( Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill )

The symbol Group direct advertising case will also encounter allegations of false borrowing, or pyramid scheme, on its list, according to the Department of Special Investigation.

Yuthana Phraedam, the DS I’s acting secretary-general, stated that the DSI had spoken with representatives from the Consumer Protection Board and the Fiscal Policy Office about the image Group case and had received useful information to back up its plan to charge suspects with allegedly obtaining money from a pyramid scheme or fraudulent loans.

Eighteen imprisoned suspects face prior charges of computer crime and common fraud in connection with computer-based sales offers to potential dealers. The complaintants in the case asserted that traders were more interested in getting new dealers to buy products and encouraging them to do so than advertising them.

Pol Maj Yuthana reported on Sunday that DSI officials had spoken with representatives from consumer protection and governmental policy about many aspects of the case, including the logo Group’s business plan and its product sales. The image Group’s chief executive officer previously stated that its products focussed on dietary supplements.

A list of defendants who will experience false saving charges that will be brought up in the near future will be met and resolved, he said. He confirmed that for allegations were supported by sufficient information for the DSI.

‘ 2, 400 testimony ‘

The logo Group CEO’s attorney planned to summon 20 witnesses on Monday to give the DSI information, according to Pol Maj Yuthana, who added that the DSI was aware of this. He claimed that the DSI may get valuable information from these folks.

However, Withoon Keng-ngan, attorney of The image Group CEO Waranthaphon” Boss Paul” Waratyaworrakul, said the 20 witnesses may form the second class of a total of about 2, 400 witnesses who wanted to share their information with the DSI.

The attorney said he would inquire with the DSI on Monday how many testimony it was question regularly.

Regarding the condition of the 18 offenders who were detained, Mr. Withoon said they had adapted to their new surroundings and were not stressed out but that they miss and are concerned about their families.

He added that suspects may ask for 3 million baht bail because three famous suspects had requested bail, but the Criminal Court had refused.

Around 10,000 people reported to police all over the country as of late last month, alleging that their dealerships had lost an estimated 3 billion ringgit in sales of The sign Group products.