DSI probe into cooperative unveils fishy land deals
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THE DEPARTMENT of Special Investigation's examination of financial transactions relating to the Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative embezzlement has found that up to three land plots covering as much as 1,000 rai (395 acres) were bought using stolen money
If they were deemed to be ill-gotten property, the plots could be seized and auctioned to get money for victims of the embezzlement, a source at the DSI investigation team said.
In relation to the DSI’s investigation into people who may have received money from the credit union’s former chairman Supachai Srisupa-aksorn, the source said that public prosecutors had instructed the investigators to check every cheque Supachai had signed and every one of those cheques cashed in order to determine the gang’s criminal behaviour.
The source said senior officials had contacted the investigation team to find out if criminal code procedures against those who had received money would end if they returned the money in full. The investigators replied that behaviour deemed to be money laundering or receiving stolen money or stolen property would result in a criminal action regardless of whether the money was returned, the source said, adding that the authorities would seize the ill-gotten money and items.
The DSI will begin summoning those accused of taking cheques from Supachai next week, beginning with Phra Khru Paladwijahn on Thursday followed by Phra Montree Sudapaso on Friday. Representatives from 17 companies are slated to testify from March 16-20, while Dhammakaya Temple abbot Phra Dhammachayo is to meet investigators on March 26.
