Focus on Business Data Following Arrests of 18 Fraud Suspects
In a significant development, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) conducted a search in Bangkok’s Bung Kum district on Thursday as part of the ongoing investigation into The iCon Group, an online sales firm accused of operating a pyramid scheme that has defrauded over 1,000 victims.
At approximately 11 am, investigators armed with a search warrant entered a building on Ratchada-Ram Indra Road. According to DSI spokesman Pol Maj Woranan Srilam, credible information indicated that iCon had rented a cloud server at this location to back up crucial business data.
Police moved swiftly, recognizing the need to secure digital evidence that could be altered or deleted. The initial findings indicated that the server contained valuable information regarding the online business’s operations, which could assist in identifying the key members of the iCon sales network.
The leaseholder of the building was cooperative and clarified that they were not connected to The iCon Group. As data was backed up, DSI officials noted, “In addition to tracing the firm’s financial activities, we are also scrutinizing their accounting practices for any potential irregularities.”
The DSI has partnered with the Central Institute of Forensic Science to ensure thorough collection of digital evidence. Investigators are also planning to search a Pathum Thani residence linked to a key programmer associated with iCon.
On Wednesday night, 18 suspects, referred to as “bosses” within the iCon hierarchy, were arrested, including founder and CEO Warathaphon “Boss Paul” Waratyaworrakul, 41. Among those detained are notable figures such as celebrity Yuranunt “Boss Sam” Pamornmontri and actress Pechaya “Boss Min” Wattanamontree.
The suspects face serious charges, including public fraud and disseminating false information via computer systems. They were held overnight at the Crime Suppression Division in Bangkok, pending further legal proceedings.
Following the arrests, lawyer Withoon Keng-ngarn met with Mr. Warathaphon, who maintains his innocence and has reiterated the original statements made to authorities. He explained that while it is the police’s prerogative to challenge bail applications, the defense team is prepared to provide bail sureties for all suspects.
“We will argue in court that all suspects have shown no intent to flee. They have consistently cooperated with police since October 12, checking in regularly as required,” Withoon stated.
Mr. Warathaphon was apprehended while providing a statement at the Consumer Protection Board office and expressed his indifference to the possibility of bail denial, viewing it merely as a change of location.
