An ad hoc fact-finding committee has concluded that there is enough evidence to suggest that Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, the deputy national police chief, may have been involved in money laundering linked to an online gambling platform and benefited from the illegal activities, according to Pol Gen Winai Thongsong, a member of the committee.
Yesterday, he stated that the committee had planned to hold a press conference about the findings of the investigation even before the Criminal Court decided on Tuesday to issue a warrant for the arrest of Surachate.
The committee’s conclusions about Surachate will be presented to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin for consideration, while another related investigation involving the national police chief, Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, is still ongoing.
The committee, led by Chatchai Promlert, a retired interior ministry permanent secretary, had interviewed 10 witnesses, who made allegations against Torsak and Surachate in connection with the BNK Master online gambling platform.
Concerning the accusations against Torsak, Pol Gen Winai mentioned that the committee had asked lawyer Sittra Biabungkerd to be questioned next Thursday, regarding how and where the lawyer obtained the incriminating evidence against Torsak and his wife.
The lawyer lodged a complaint with Taopoon police, alleging that the couple was involved in money laundering related to the online gambling platform.
Both Torsak and Surachate had previously been moved to “inactive posts” at the PM’s Office, pending the outcome of the investigation into the online gambling case.
