Authorities Seek to Interrogate CEO Over Alleged Bribery Involvement
The Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) has seized assets valued at approximately 125 million baht from a direct-sales company, as part of an ongoing investigation into potential pyramid scheme operations. The company, identified as The iCon Group, along with its CEO and three additional individuals, have had their assets frozen for 90 days.
Amlo Secretary-General Thepsu Bawornchotdara stated that the firm is under scrutiny for suspected fraudulent activities. Concerns were raised about possible attempts to transfer or obscure assets related to these allegations.
The seized assets include funds from stock trading accounts, savings accounts, and digital asset trading accounts, according to official reports.
In addition to the company and CEO Warathaphon “Boss Paul” Waratyaworrakul, other individuals affected by the seizure include actor Kan Kantathavorn, Thitaya Hong-upathumchai, and Nichaphon Thongmee.
This legal development follows reports that nearly 1,100 victims have come forward, claiming significant financial losses from their investments with iCon.
As part of their investigation, police are also examining claims of bribery involving a politician who allegedly solicited payments from Mr. Warathaphon to avoid scrutiny of iCon. The police interrogated the CEO over the weekend and are planning further discussions regarding an audio recording purportedly capturing a conversation between him and the politician.
This audio allegedly involves a request for financial support in exchange for assistance in deflecting an investigation into the company’s operations. An individual believed to be a committee member is heard in the recording saying that Warathaphon should provide a monthly sum of 100,000 baht to resolve issues pertaining to committee inquiries.
Mr. Warathaphon acknowledged on a recent television program that the voice recorded was indeed his, but refrained from disclosing the identity of the other party involved.
Authorities have forwarded the audio for forensic analysis to verify the authenticity of the voices and to ascertain if it has been manipulated. The investigation aims to trace the origin of the recording, given its implications regarding demands for money.
Mr. Warathaphon will also be consulted on whether he intends to file complaints against any officials involved in soliciting bribes, according to police statements.
In response to these allegations, a spokesman for the Palang Pracharath Party affirmed their commitment to take appropriate disciplinary and legal action should evidence implicating party members emerge.
Further inquiries by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) are underway, focusing on the financial records of the iCon Group since its establishment in 2019. Preliminary findings highlight significant discrepancies in income and expenditure reports, as outlined by DSI Acting Director-General Pol Maj Yutthana Praedam.
Investigation Into iCon Wellness Clinic
In a related matter, investigative authorities are looking into a clinic affiliated with the iCon Group, which reportedly engaged a non-certified medical practitioner. The Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) is actively reviewing the operations of iCon Wellness clinic in Bang Khen district following claims regarding a fake doctor linked to the establishment.
Health officials intend to inspect the clinic in conjunction with police and FDA representatives to confirm the alleged wrongdoing. The Medical Council of Thailand has already filed a legal complaint against the individual known as “Boss Mor Ek,” identified as a prominent member within The iCon Group, for misrepresenting his medical credentials.
Dr. Panuwat Panket, leading the DHSS, emphasized the necessity of validating the clinic’s operations concerning legal compliance regarding medical practice. If confirmed, appropriate legal action will be initiated against the clinic owner.
As per official records, the iCon Wellness clinic is legally registered, with CEO Warathaphon listed as a board member.
