BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) on Friday announced major developments in a massive Forex fraud investigation, revealing financial links to a People’s Party Member of Parliament and a well-known actor. DSI Director-General Police Major Yuthana Praedam, alongside cyber-crime police and central bank officials, announced that a six-month investigation into online scams and gambling networks uncovered multi-billion-baht money trails linked to illegal brokers and payment processing firms. The investigation has led to raids at 24 target locations across Bangkok and neighboring provinces, targeting unauthorized brokers, introducing brokers (IBs), and payment gateways.
Police Captain Khemachat Prakaihongmanee, director of the DSI’s Technology and Information Crimes Bureau, stated that a payment platform named “alp FX” allegedly transferred funds to a firm named “Spark Digital,” which then transferred money to Mr. Pawoot Pongvitayapanu, an MP from the People’s Party. The DSI reported 14 transfers of 2 million baht each, totaling 28 million baht ($852,000). The DSI stated that no arrest warrant or summons has been issued for Mr. Pawoot yet, as parliament is currently in session. He will be required to clarify the transactions once the parliamentary session closes.
The DSI also named actor Film Rattapoom as being linked to a group associated with the illegal brokers. Authorities emphasized that both Mr. Pawoot and Mr. Rattapoom are currently considered persons of interest and have the opportunity to present evidence to demonstrate their innocence.
The Forex scam has affected over 500 victims registered with the DSI and an additional 60 with the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, with total damages estimated in the billions of baht. During the joint operations, authorities searched 15 unauthorized foreign exchange brokerage firms and nine residences linked to Thai and foreign suspects. Seized assets included 65 million baht in cash, 12 kilograms of silver bars, 50 baht-weight of gold ornaments, 113 luxury watches, brand-name bags, 5 luxury cars, 15 other vehicles, and 55 computers. All items have been seized as evidence for further investigation. (TNA)
