New evidence points to 'magnate's role' in PWO's huge rubber gloves deal with private firm
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has reportedly been given evidence linking a “magnate” behind the alleged corruption in a Bt112-billion deal for purchase of surgical gloves between the Public Warehouse Organisation (PWO) and a private company.
Details of the evidence have not been disclosed yet.
The DSI has already interrogated five PWO personnel, including Kriangsak Prateepvisut, the new director of the PWO.
The DSI has seized Bt2 billion that Pol Colonel Roongroj Phuthiyawat, former acting director of the PWO's central administrative office, paid to Guardian Gloves Ltd.
The PWO and the National Anti-Corruption Commission are ready to begin legal action against Roongroj and his alleged accomplices when the DSI finds clear evidence of wrongdoing.
A panel will be established to investigate the breach of duty, which could result in a salary cut, demotion or dismissal.
“I am certain that we will win since the evidence is so strong. Roongroj’s actions were illegal and he must be prosecuted as ordered by Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit,” Kriangsak said.
He said that DSI had followed the trail of the Bt2 billion that Guardian Gloves withdrew, and eight sales contracts for surgical gloves were now revoked, according to the meeting on September 25.
The PWO has reportedly found evidence that someone had given an order to Roongroj to implement the alleged corrupt deal and the DSI was already informed of the new evidence.