BANGKOK: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (pic) has pledged there will be no compromise in the investigation into an alleged transnational money-laundering network linked to Ben Smith, saying all agencies have been instructed to pursue offenders regardless of their connections.
Speaking at Royal Thai Police headquarters on Wednesday (Oct 28), Anutin addressed the investigation involving seven suspects accused of laundering money and breaching securities laws through transactions involving Thai-listed shares.
Police have obtained arrest warrants for six suspects, including Ben Smith, while a seventh suspect, has appeared before investigators and denied the allegations.
Anutin said he welcomed the progress of the investigation and had spoken with the national police chief about ensuring that the inquiry proceeded transparently.
He reiterated the government’s policy of “ignoring names and focusing on conduct”, meaning law-enforcement agencies should act on evidence rather than the status, nationality or connections of those involved.
“If anyone breaks the law, whether they are called mister, madam or anything else, they must face legal proceedings under the law,” Anutin said.
The prime minister said the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), Department of Special Investigation (DSI), Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission, Royal Thai Police and Office of the Narcotics Control Board had all been instructed to pursue cases involving illegal financial activity.
He said there would be no government intervention to protect suspects.
The government has previously described the Ben Smith-Yim Leak network as part of a wider crackdown on transnational scam operations and illicit financial flows. Earlier asset-seizure actions against the network had already exceeded THB20 billion, according to government statements.
The latest police investigation alleges that the network channelled funds through overseas financial institutions and investment structures before using the money to acquire stakes in Thai-listed companies.
Police said the seven suspects allegedly performed different roles, including directing the operation, controlling financial channels, holding assets on behalf of others and coordinating investment funds and securities transactions.
Anutin described money laundering and scam operations as activities that obstruct Thailand’s economic progress.
“The government’s responsibility is to create growth and prosperity for the country, but these activities keep holding the country back,” he said.
“The only option is to suppress them completely.”
He said enforcement agencies had been given full government backing to investigate, expand cases and prosecute anyone found to have broken the law.
Authorities have also seized and frozen billions of baht in shares, bank deposits, property, vehicles and other assets linked to the wider investigation.
Asked whether investigators had identified additional people connected with the case or determined whether they remained in Thailand, Anutin said the investigation was continuing.
He added that another person had been identified the previous day but said he would not interfere in operational decisions.
“As prime minister and head of the government, I have already set the policy that there will be no compromise over these illegal activities,” Anutin said.
He said investigative methods, enforcement strategy and individual prosecutions should remain the responsibility of the heads of the relevant agencies. - The Nation/ANN
