Chiang Rai, Thailand – On Monday, police arrested Samart Janechaijittawanich, a politician from the Palang Pracharath Party, in connection with an alleged money laundering operation tied to The iCon Group fraud case.
The arrest took place in the northernmost province of Chiang Rai after an investigation led to Samart, who was wanted for allegedly receiving 3 million baht through his mother’s bank account. The investigation into The iCon Group, a direct sales company, revealed that 2.5 million baht of this amount came from the group’s CEO, Warathaphon Waratyaworrakul, also known as Boss Paul.
The funds were originally collected through fraudulent fundraising activities by The iCon Group, which has been accused of public fraud. The money was then transferred to Mr. Warathaphon, who allegedly passed it on to Samart’s mother, Wilawan Phutthasamrit.
According to Department of Special Investigation (DSI) director-general Yutthana Praedam, the transfers were made regularly over a period of time, with six-digit sums being sent monthly. Mr. Samart’s mother, Wilawan, has reportedly received over 100 million baht from various sources, including another 500,000 baht from another key suspect known as Boss Peter.
Authorities had initially suspected Samart’s involvement after he rushed out of his Bangkok residence when officials searched the house and found the air-conditioning still running. Police believe Samart was attempting to flee before his arrest.
Samart Janechaijittawanich, 41, has been implicated in the scandal following the release of a controversial audio clip, which allegedly featured a conversation between The iCon Group CEO and a non-MP House committee member. The conversation suggested an exchange of money for clearing a complaint.
The Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Samart, and he was apprehended by Provincial Police Region 5. He will be brought to Bangkok for further questioning.
The investigation into The iCon Group fraud continues as authorities probe further connections and illicit transactions.
