20 cosmetic brands file fraud complaints over Bt30m losses
Representatives of 20 Thai cosmetic brands filed complaints at the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) in Bangkok on Thursday against a company executive who claimed she would promote their products in Asean countries such as Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam in exchange for a fee, but then closed the firm and has apparently fled overseas.
The group, claiming to suffer Bt30 million in losses, met with CSD chief Suthin Sappuang to file the fraud complaints against a 45-year-old company executive identified as Watchariya (last name withheld) and submit related evidence, including investment contracts and money-wiring slips.
One of the victims said she was introduced to this Facebook-based firm by a close friend last November.
She was told that anyone interested in getting their products promoted in Asean countries must pay a Bt178,000 initial membership fee. She paid the amount and submitted cosmetics worth Bt800,000 to be placed at the firm's shops in those countries. She received returns worth tens of thousands of baht in the first three months.
The company then invited her to invest in another package worth Bt3 million, to buy media advertising space in other countries and promised 200 per cent profit. She declined because she felt she was being rushed. The company then fell behind in paying returns and her attempt to get answers was met with a claim that the executive was overseas and could not be reached.
She checked the office location and found a three-storey building that looked abandoned. She was told by the landlord that the tenant had not pay rent for three months and claimed to be overseas.