The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) claims that over the past several years it has concluded 3,325 cases involving an estimated 739 billion baht in financial losses, including a number of high-profile cases.
At a press conference today, the DSI reported that it had concluded 1,198 cases involving an estimated 538 billion baht in economic crimes; 580 patent and copyright cases worth an estimated 19 billion baht in damages; 473 environment-related cases causing an estimated 44 billion baht in losses; and 1,074 cases of transnational and special crimes involving an estimated 137 billion baht.
Among the high-profile cases were public fraud and violations of the Computer Crime Act, in which the Icon Group and several of its executives were implicated. The DSI claims it has seized assets worth more than 700 million baht from the company and its top executives.
In the Stark Corporation case, management was accused of doctoring financial statements, publishing falsified information on bond prices and engaging in money laundering. The DSI said it has filed charges against 11 suspects and impounded their ill-gotten assets.
The DSI also reported that it had dismantled a transnational dating service targeting foreigners seeking to marry Thai women.
The operation was allegedly run by foreigners posing as English language teachers. Investigators claim the perpetrators set up more than 100 shell companies, over 2,000 websites and around 500 “mule” bank accounts to facilitate the transfer of money extorted from victims.
Several suspects were arrested, and embassies were notified of the crackdown so that victims could be informed and provide further information to the DSI.
Regarding illegal narcotics trafficking, the DSI said it had seized more than two tonnes of crystal methamphetamine that was bound for overseas buyers by sea.
