Top Thai Officers Probed Over Links to Scams in Myanmar

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File-General view Myawaddy district in eastern Myanmar, April 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File)

 

The Royal Thai Police (RTP) is conducting an investigation into alleged connections between senior police officers and criminal activities linked to scam operations across the Burmese border. This action follows the transfer of five senior officers from the Tak province, a move that has raised eyebrows due to the significant wealth of one of the officers.

 

At the heart of the investigation is Pol Maj Gen Ekkarat Intasueb, acting chief of Inspection Division 6 for the Office of the Inspector General. His duties encompass seven provinces, including Tak, which is directly opposite Myawaddy—a known hub for scam syndicates. As inquiries progress, he has been relocated to Bangkok by order of the national police chief, Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch.

 

Reports have surfaced highlighting Pol Maj Gen Ekkarat’s affluence, including ownership of an opulent mansion covering five rai featuring luxurious amenities such as a waterfall and a golf driving range. Despite this, he reportedly favours residing in police housing provided for the Mae Sot chief.

 

Pol Maj Gen Charoonkiat Pankaew, now leading the investigation panel, stated that the process would be driven by evidence, promising a just and fair investigation for all involved.

Alongside Ekkarat, Pol Maj Gen Samrit Emkamol, the Tak Provincial Police commander, has also been transferred to Bangkok. Additionally, superintendents from Mae Sot, Mae Ramat, and Phob Phra district police stations have been moved to the provincial office.

 

These changes are part of an effort to scrutinise any police role in the alleged disappearance of Chinese tourists. These individuals were reportedly deceived by call centre operators and lured into crossing the border into Myanmar for employment opportunities.

 

Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai emphasised that although the transfers raise questions, they do not imply direct involvement in criminal activities. He stressed the urgency of the investigation to understand the high incidence of cross-border crime within their jurisdiction.

 

The government's crackdown against scam operations has intensified, partly due to international scrutiny following the high-profile rescue of a Chinese actor trafficked to Myawaddy.

 

In tactical moves to disrupt these illegal networks, Thai authorities have cut electricity and internet services to five border areas suspected of harbouring scam syndicates. Additionally, 261 foreign nationals were repatriated from Myawaddy to Thailand as the service cuts began impacting the operational capacity of these scam networks.

 

With the investigative committee in place, all eyes remain on the outcomes of these probes. How these developments unfold could significantly impact ongoing efforts to dismantle transnational crime rings operating in the region, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-02-13

 

 

[JoePai]

Quelle surprise  🤣