High-Profile Arrests in Major Fraud Inquiry: CEO, TV Host, Celebrities, and Wellness Doctor Detained
PUBLISHED: 16 Oct 2024 at 21:46
UPDATED: 16 Oct 2024 at 21:51
In a significant development, police have apprehended 18 suspects, including the founder and CEO of The iCon Group, in a fraud investigation surrounding alleged pyramid selling practices. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) confirmed the arrests, which occurred on Wednesday night.
Warathaphon “Boss Paul” Waratyaworrakul, aged 41, was taken into custody at the Consumer Protection Board office while providing a statement regarding his company’s operations, which are currently under scrutiny for fraudulent activities.
The Criminal Court authorized arrest warrants for Warathaphon and 17 other individuals, including notable public figures, citing charges of public fraud and the distribution of false information via computer systems.
Following his arrest, Warathaphon was escorted for a search of his residence and business premises before being transported to the CIB headquarters in Bangkok.
Among the notable figures arrested was Kan Kantathavorn, a prominent television host and actor linked to The iCon Group, taken into CIB custody around 7:30 PM. His arrest occurred shortly after the detainment of Jirawat Saengpakdee and Kanokthorn Puranasukhon.
Additional arrests included well-known personalities such as Saowapha Wongsakha, Songkrot “Boss Peter” Sretthanan, and Chetnaphat “Boss Tommy” Apiwattanakarn, as well as other associates connected to The iCon Group.
Notably, Tananont “Boss Mor Ek” Hiranchaiwan – a qualified medical technician – was implicated for allegedly misrepresenting himself as a licensed medical doctor. His prior attempts to evade authorities included an unsuccessful search at the iCon Wellness center in Bangkok.
Also arrested were multiple members of The iCon Group’s inner circle, adding to a growing list of individuals now facing serious legal repercussions. As fraud allegations mount, more than 1,100 complaints from victims of the company’s purported fraudulent health and dietary supplement schemes have been filed.
In an effort to strengthen their case, authorities have seized five luxury vehicles linked to the fraud investigation involving The iCon Group. The company attracted significant interest through online sales courses that, upon enrollment, demanded further financial investments from participants for products and advertising.
