No dirty money: Thai politician denies links to The iCon scandal

[snoop1130]

 

Embattled politician Samart Janechaijittawanich is vehemently denying accusations of money laundering amid allegations that he received millions of baht from The iCon Group, a direct sales company currently under investigation for alleged public fraud. Samart insists the funds were merely “loans and donations” and has vowed to prove his innocence within two weeks.

 

According to Department of Special Investigation (DSI) Director-General Police Major Yutthana Praedam, Samart was questioned in Bangkok last night, November 25, following his arrest earlier that day at a temple in Chiang Rai, where he claimed he was “making merit” and had no intention of fleeing the country.

 

“Samart denied the money-laundering charge and promised to file a written statement to prove his innocence in 15 days.”

 

 

Samart, along with his mother Wilawan, maintains that the funds, 3 million baht in total, received from The iCon Group were legitimate. The DSI has flagged these transactions for further scrutiny, however, noting that 2.5 million baht came directly from The iCon Group’s CEO, Warathaphon Waratyaworrakul. Wilawan’s bank account, which has received close to 100 million baht from various sources, has raised DSI suspicions, with Yutthana confirming, “The 3-million-baht amount is part of this larger sum.”

 

Samart’s troubles began after an audio clip surfaced, allegedly revealing a conversation between The iCon Group’s founder and a non-MP House committee member, suggesting an offer to settle complaints in exchange for money. The Criminal Court issued a warrant for the politician’s arrest, sparking the DSI’s probe into his financial dealings.

 

As the case unfolds, the former Palang Pracharath Party deputy spokesperson stands firm but the DSI’s investigation continues, casting a cloud over his political career and reputation, reported Bangkok Post.

 

By Puntid Tantivangphaisal

Photo courtesy of DSI Facebook via Bangkok Post

 

Source: The Thaiger

-- 2024-11-26

 

 

[Chris Daley]

The logo is litterly I Con as in 'I con you.'

 

Hilarious.