Financial Crime World

BREAKING: Thailand’s Deputy National Police Chief, Surachate Hakparn, Arrested on Money Laundering Charges

Arrest at Police Station

BANGKOK, THAILAND — In a surprising turn of events, Thailand’s Deputy National Police Chief, Police General Surachate Hakparn, was arrested at a police station on money laundering charges.

  • Arrest Warrant: The warrant for Surachate’s arrest was issued by the Bangkok Criminal Court due to his neglect to respond to three previous summonses, according to local media Thai PBS and Thai Rath.
  • Arrival and Briefing: He surrendered at the Taopoon neighborhood police station in the evening. Later, he briefed the press, stating, “I have come to comply with the law and let due process take its course.” Surachate did not disclose the bail amount.

Previous Allegations

  • Suspension: Surachate and National Police Chief Torsak Sukvimol were suspended less than two weeks ago due to accusations of involvement in an illegal online gambling operation. This controversy fueled longstanding rumors of internal conflicts and corruption in Thailand’s national police force.
  • Search Warrants: Search warrants were executed at Surachate’s residence in September 2020 in connection to an underground gambling network. Eight police officers under his command were arrested on the same day.
  • Innocence Claim: Despite the ongoing investigation, Surachate continued to claim his innocence and accused his accusers of foul play.

Previous Suspension and Ongoing Scrutiny

  • National Police Chief: Torsak was appointed chief just days after the controversial feud, and the national police force, known for power struggles and a long-standing reputation for corruption, has been under immense scrutiny due to allegations of abuse of power, bribery, and money laundering.
  • Special Committee: Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin intervened and suspended both Surachate and Torsak, establishing a special committee to investigate the varying allegations.

Background

  • Prominence: Surachate, who rose to prominence after joining the Police Immigration Bureau in 2018, had made frequent media appearances and was a well-known figure before briefly disappearing from public view in 2019.
  • Return: He later returned in 2021 as an adviser to the police chief and regained his rank and influence.

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