DISPLAYED: 6 February 2024 at 05 :43
According to Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat Pankaew, deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau ( CIB ), police will look for an arrest warrant this week for a fifth suspect in the well-known Srisuwan attempted extortion case.
However, the suspect is less significant to the situation than the four people who have already been detained.
Those four are Srisuwan Janya, a prolific petitioner, and three reported accomplices—Yoswaris Chuklom, also known as Jeng Dokjik, Phimnattha Chiraphutthiphak, as well as Eakluck Wareechol—who are thought to have been key players in the bribery efforts. Last year, all four of them were detained and later released on bail.
According to reports, the group, led by activist Mr. Srisuwan, attempted to extort Natthakit Khongthip, director-general of the Rice Department ( RD), after he was named department chief.
Srisuwan, Yoswaris, and Ms. Phimnattha are accused of demanding 3 million Baht ( which was later reduced to 1.5 million Bait following negotiations ) from Mr. Natthanakit. On January 26, 500,000 baht of the pay was delivered to Mr. Srisuwan’s house by undercover police, leading to his arrest at his home in Pathum Thani. The three have 15 days to provide written defenses and all deny being charged with blackmail.
The research team, according to Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat, met on Monday to discuss case growth changes and devise a strategy to expand the sensor. On Wednesday or Thursday, he said, an arrest warrant could be issued for the second think.
More than ten people have been asked to make remarks so far, including RD officials. According to Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat, there is a ton of evidence that needs to be examined in the case.
Bank accounts opened by proxy who were aware of the crime were to receive the bribery funds.
According to Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat, Mr. Srisuwan’s woman has not yet been interrogated by police, and the offenders may have also targeted other people. The police may open new circumstances if any additional victims came forth.
The anti-corruption authorities are running out of time to finish the research. The police are concerned that the situation may continue to expand due to a lack of staffing and the need to interview numerous witnesses and gather information before the deadline for submitting the investigation summary to the prosecution. There is still time to make the event waterproof, according to Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat.
In two weeks, the researchers are convinced they can complete the summary and give it to the prosecution.