Thai Deputy Police Chief Under Investigation for Involvement in Illegal Online Gambling
Posted on September 25, 2023, 06:38h.
Last updated on September 25, 2023, 06:38h.
Police in Thailand conducted an operation at the residence of Deputy National Police Chief Surachate Hakparn in Bangkok today. It is believed that Surachate is involved in illicit online gambling activities.
The Bangkok Post reported that a comprehensive operation involving the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) was carried out to investigate Surachate Hakparn’s suspected involvement in illegal online gambling. The operation involved collaboration with anti-corruption unit officers and special operations commandos from the Metropolitan Police.
Initially, Surachate denied access to his residence, using his position as the deputy chief of the Royal Thai Police. However, Lieutenant General Voravat Watnakhonbancha, the CCIB commissioner, arrived and authorized the search warrant.
Not only was Surachate’s house raided, but investigators were also interested in the five houses he purchased for his subordinates on the same property.
Raids Across Bangkok
As part of the investigation, searches were conducted in five districts of Bangkok, including Phetchaburi, Samut Prakan, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and Saraburi. The authorities visited 30 houses, including Surachate’s residence.
There have been speculations about additional residences connected to a police squad living near Surachate. These houses are suspected of being linked to an internet-based gambling platform in Laos, with an estimated value of THB1 billion (US$27.75 million).
Following an examination of the financial activities related to this network, CCIB officials gathered enough evidence to obtain a search and apprehension order. This led to the raid on Surachate’s compound and the questioning of several high-ranking police officers who reportedly worked under him.
These raids come after the arrest of Pongsiri Tharatchawongsuek in July. Tharatchawongsuek, who owns the Lamphun Warriors Football Club, allegedly used proceeds from an illegal gambling operation to purchase the club as a means of money laundering.
In a statement, Surachate confirmed that five to six individuals working under him are expected to face arrest warrants for their alleged involvement in illegal gambling. He maintains his innocence and believes his subordinates are also innocent.
Mixed Messages
Interestingly, these raids took place just days after China awarded the Royal Thai Police the Gold Great Wall Commemorative Award for their “exemplary cooperation” in combatting transnational crime at an international crime prevention conference in Lianyungang, China. Surachate received the award on behalf of Thailand.
This award is part of a program established by the Ministry of Public Security of China to recognize foreign law enforcement officers or departments for protecting China’s national interests. Surachate is currently a candidate for the position of the next Royal Thai Police chief, as the current chief, Damrongsak Kittiprapas, is retiring at the end of the month.
According to The Bangkok Times, Surachate is among several high-ranking police officers being considered for the position.