NACC launches graft probe on Suphoth
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The National Anti Corruption Commission on Tuesday launched a graft probe on Transport permanent secretary Suphoth Sublom on suspicion of unusual wealth and impounded Bt15 million cash pending the probe outcome.
“The probe has stemmed from an unusually large amount of cash stolen from Suphoth’s home,” NACC secretary general Apinan Isarangura na Ayuthaya said.
The probe panel will be jointly led by two NACC members, Jaided Pornchaiya and Preecha Lertkamolmart, he said.
The police discovery of more than Bt15 million in stolen cash was cause to suspect foul play as to why Suphoth had come into the possession of the funds, he said.
Suphoth did not report any changes in his net worth to the amount of Bt15 million since assuming office in 2010, he said.
The probe panel would focus on anwering three questions – whether Suphoth has filed a false asset statement, whether he has amassed ill-gotten gains, and whether he is involved in any irrgularities.
The panel has the mandate to check into Suphoth’s assets without having to seek the cooperation of the Anti Money Laundering Office.
Suphoth is expected to be summoned to give his statement on his involvement with the cash. The police report on the break-in of Suphoth’s home on November 12 would be factored in the graft probe.
Under the anti-graft law, the NACC has the mandate to grant immunity to suspects who agreed to become the prosecution witnesses in a graft trial.
