Duo suspected of B40m fraud in Phitsanulok

Banker and ‘ agent’ exploited neighborhood development loan fund, state police

Duo suspected of B40m fraud in Phitsanulok
A previous bank manager and a community leader from Phitsanulok’s Wang Thong area are being detained in connection with a fraudulent transaction that cost 40 million ringgit in damages total. ( Photo: Office of Public Sector Anti- Corruption Commission communication unit Facebook )

In connection with a scam that claimed 40 million ringgit in damages, police have detained a former bank manager and a community leader from the Wang Thong region in Phitsanulok.

Pol Maj Gen Prasong Chalermpan, the commander of the Anti- Corruption Division (ACD ), on Friday identified the suspects as Mongkol ( surname withheld ), 56, a former bank manager in Wang Thong, and Tongsuk ( surname withheld ), 60, a former village headman in tambon Kaeng Sopha.

Mr Mongkol, therefore a director of a condition- owned banks, teamed up with Mr Tongsuk to arrange a false scheme between 2012 and 2016, according to Pol Maj Gen Prasong.

According to a police investigation, Mr. Tongsuk worked for Mr. Mongkol as an agent, bringing people from his village to apply for funding through a government-sponsored community development program at the banks.

The loans were instructed by Mr. Mongkol to split the cost of larger loans with him if they wanted them to. The ACD chief then stated that he had promised to assist them in paying the money.

Mr. Mongkol resigned and fled with the cash after an estimated 40 million ringgit in debts were granted, according to Pol Maj Gen Prasong.

According to him, Mr. Mongkol and Mr. Tongsuk were both detained in Pathum Thani and Chachoengsao state. Both admitted to their acts.

Mr. Tongsuk claimed that Mr. Mongkol betrayed him because he did not receive the payment money that had been promised, according to Pol Maj Gen. Prasong.

The two were taken to the Attorney General Region 6 Department for legal counsel.