Govt claims 700 ‘mafia’ crimelords identified

Authorities place a high priority on the safety and secrecy of those who provided information on unlawful activities.

Govt claims 700 'mafia' crimelords identified
After being detained in connection with the murder of a police officer at his house on September 6, Praween Chankhlai, also known as Kamnan Nok, is subjected to questioning by Crime Suppression Division officers. ( Photo Submitted )

According to Karom Polpornklang, a deputy state official, about 700 people have been listed as” mafia” – affiliated figures in the administration’s continuing destruction of unlawful activities linked with these influential people globally.

The record, which was compiled by the Ministry of Interior using information provided by local authorities and citizens, will be sent to a government committee charged with putting an end to their activities, according to the spokesman.

According to Mr. Karom, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has emphasized to the commission and all other participating government the significance of ensuring the safety and security of those who provide details about these individuals.

Mr. Srettha even emphasized the importance of setting up a secure environment for potential testimony so that they can feel comfortable and willing to cooperate, according to Mr Karom.

According to him, those with knowledge about mafia-like criminals can contact the authorities via the Damrong Tham centers, which are run by the Ministry of Interior across the country, and the Police Cyber Taskforce line 1599, at 1111 mailboxes.

According to Mr. Karom, the committee in charge of repression of powerful individuals has outlined 16 illegal functions that are categorized as mafia-style crimes.

They operate an illegal international career placement service, defraud tourists, sell and buy unregistered weapons and firearms, demand bribes from drivers or truck drivers, engage in price collusion when bidding to secure state contracts, illegally collecting commission from passenger transport service operators, demanding tea money from business owners, smuggling unlawful goods, operating illegal casinos, and procuring prostitutes.

A dinner party was held on September 6 at the home of Praween” Kamnan Nok” Chankhlai, a former kamna in Nakhon Pathom, in the midst of the well-publicized killing of highway police officer Pol Maj Sivakorn Saibua.

The original native chief, who is currently being investigated by police as a important believe in the murder case, also ran dingy construction company, which the authorities are now inspecting on suspicion of bid rigging.