Dramatic Raid: Village Chief and Associates Arrested for Multi-Million Fraud

[Georgealbert]

 

 

In a high-profile operation, law enforcement officers, including a special commando unit, arrested the mayor of a subdistrict administrative organisation (SAO) and his associates on charges of large-scale fraud amounting to hundreds of millions of baht.

 

On the morning of November 16, Pol. Col. Somboon Siraeng, Superintendent of Nakhon Thai Police Station, Phitsanulok Province, led the raid in coordination with investigators from Phitsanulok province and a commando unit from the Central Investigation Bureau. Nearly 100 officers launched “Operation Dawn at Nabua” at the Nakhon Thai Police Station before dispersing teams armed with 16 court-issued warrants for search and arrest.

 

The primary target was the residence of the alleged ringleader, identified in warrant No. 414/67 issued on November 15 by the Nakhon Thai Provincial Court. The operation also targeted 15 other suspects located in the same area.

 

The suspects, including the village chief who chaired a local community bank, face charges of fraud and illegal borrowing schemes. Investigators revealed that this case is one of eight similar investigations involving 700 victims and a financial loss of 107 million baht. Combined with the other cases, the total damages exceed 400 million baht.

 

The operation began at dawn, with officers converging on Nabua Village, Nakhon Thai District, where all suspects resided. The primary focus was the home of Mr. Somsak Chandi, the village bank’s president and the SAO mayor of Nabua.

 

When officers arrived, they called for Mr. Somsak, who emerged in pajamas looking visibly startled. After officers presented the search and arrest warrants, Mr. Somsak reportedly froze momentarily before reacting angrily. He accused the superintendent of unfair targeting, claiming his home had been searched three times. Meanwhile, his visibly upset daughter argued with both the media and police present at the scene.

 

Despite initial resistance, Mr. Somsak eventually changed into formal attire and complied, accompanying officers in an unmarked police vehicle to Nakhon Thai Police Station for further questioning.

 

This raid marks a significant step in the crackdown on financial fraud affecting rural communities, with authorities pledging to pursue justice for all victims.

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

-- 2024-11-17