AMLO to seize Bt4 billion in assets from former co-op chief
THE FORMER chairman of the Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative allegedly embezzled nearly Bt12 billion from its coffers and will have a large number of assets worth almost Bt4 billion seized, the secretary-general of the Anti-Money Laundering Office, Seeha
Most of the money had allegedly been handed to Supachai Srisupa-aksorn through 878 bank transactions and cheques that police and the AMLO detected, he said.
Fifteen of the cheques involving transactions of Bt714 million in total were allegedly cashed by Wat Phra Dhammakaya, which is reportedly in the process of returning the money to the cooperative, a source said. The AMLO is not authorised to seize the Bt714 million directly because the assets of Buddhist temples or monasteries are regarded as state property.
“If the temple doesn’t voluntary return of the money, the cooperative is entitled to demand it through civil lawsuits,” the source added.
At a press conference, Seehanart alleged that Supachai initially transferred SW Holding Group stock worth Bt1.1 billion to Sataporn Watthanasirinukool in September 2012 before transferring U Channel 555 Co (now ThaiUTV Co Ltd) stock worth Bt4.1 million to Chayada Worrawiriyachat in July 2013.
Seehanart also alleged that Supachai transferred U Buy stock worth Bt105 million to Chayada in July 2012, with Chayada transferring half the stock to Phimnaphas Pattamasang in April last year, while there was another transfer related to the sale of Blue Sky Co stock worth Bt2.5 million in June 2013.
Supachai deposited Bt2.56 billion in joint bank accounts belonging to Watchanon Nawaissararak and Jiradej Worraphiankul, he alleged.
The AMLO earlier announced the seizure of more than Bt1.2 billion in assets linked to four companies founded by Supachai, Watchanon and Jiradej, he said.
RELATED