AMLO freezes assets worth billions in major fraud crackdown

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Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

By Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) has made remarkable strides in addressing fraud cases, including those involving notable figures and corporations, resulting in the seizure and freezing of assets valued at billions of baht.

 

The development was shared by AMLO Secretary General Theppasu Bavornchotidara and Witthaya Neetitham, its spokesperson, following a meeting with the transaction committee.

 

Twelve significant cases have seen asset seizures and freezes, encompassing large-scale fraud, drug-related crimes, and online gambling networks. The assets in question amount to over 234 items with a combined value of roughly 836 million baht.

 

AMLO specifically targeted cases like that of renowned lawyer Sittra Biabungkerd and his associates, who face charges of fraud and money laundering. In this instance, assets including land, buildings, and bank accounts amounting to 71 million baht have been frozen.

 

Another significant case under AMLO’s purview is that of Duennapa Kaewkamnerd and her accomplices, who are implicated in public fraud. Their assets, numbering 122 items and valued at approximately 669 million baht, have been seized.

 

A Chinese woman and her group are likewise charged with public fraud and money laundering, resulting in the confiscation of 66 assets, such as condominium units and bank accounts, valued at 78 million baht.

 

 

Panuwat Jaiman and his associates, involved in public fraud through money trading, have seen 22 of their assets seized. These include land, properties, and bank accounts, collectively worth around 81 million baht.

 

In the case concerning The iCon Group, AMLO proposed that 103 assets valued at 286 million baht be transferred to state ownership. Meanwhile, 40 items worth 29 million baht have been returned to rightful claimants.

 

Victims are encouraged to file claims by February 17. AMLO will then prepare a list of claimants and assess damages, potentially leading to civil court proceedings to secure restitution or compensation based on individual losses.

 

The situation involving Chanin Yensudjai, former chairperson of Stark Corporation, is also under scrutiny. AMLO has taken steps to seek restitution for more than 3,900 victims, involving 50 assets with an estimated worth of 3.24 billion baht.

 

The civil court is considering further actions concerning these assets, as AMLO has submitted the case to prosecutors for the potential recovery of funds, reported Bangkok Post.

 

Source: The Thaiger

-- 2024-12-18