Authorities Intensify Probe into Mayor Heng’s Network in Local Government Exam Corruption

Bangkok: Police are expanding their investigation into the network of "Mayor Heng," implicated in corruption related to local government examinations, and are confident they can prosecute high-ranking officials in the Department of Local Administration. Police Major General Jaroonkiat Panngaeo, Deputy Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau, revealed the progress in the arrest and interrogation of Mr. Prawit, a former Pheu Thai Party parliamentary candidate, also known as "Mayor Heng," and Ms. Nawaporn, a municipal official in Sisaket Province. He stated that the suspects have cooperated well. Mayor Heng still pleaded partially guilty but provided information useful for expanding the investigation and linking him to previously arrested suspects. Investigators have scheduled both individuals to provide further testimony and present evidence on September 8th. According to Thai News Agency, the investigation revealed that this criminal network operated systematically with similar modus operandi, employing a system of quotas to secure government positions through connections spread across several provinces. Bail was granted because, in the Sisaket case, only one victim initially filed a complaint, with damages totaling 650,000 baht. Legally, denial of bail would limit the time available for investigation to 48 days. However, temporary release grants investigators up to six months to thoroughly gather evidence. Furthermore, legally, until a court ruling is reached, the suspect is considered innocent and has the right to bail to fight the case through the judicial process. However, further investigation revealed that there were over 40 more victims who filed complaints at various police stations. When all the information is combined, it is estimated that there are more than 100 victims. Of these, 57 people paid money and received positions, while the remaining 40+ victims paid money but did not receive a refund or the positions. This group of victims stated that they handed over cash to Mr. Heng. The NACC (Natio nal Anti-Corruption Commission) affirms that its work has led to the identification of the main perpetrators and expresses confidence that this case will expand to include high-level departmental executives and new individuals involved in the bribery scheme. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) reiterated that its investigation revealed both individuals had been recruiting candidates for local government positions, demanding money as compensation. Specifically, Ms. Nawaporn acted as a recruiter, but exceeded the allocated quota, resulting in over 40 applicants failing the exam. The recruiters then refused to return the money, claiming they were lobbying for alternative positions in other areas. Some individuals who requested assignments in the northern region were instead pressured to relocate to the southern region, forcing them to reluctantly agree for fear of losing their money. Furthermore, clues have emerged that this network has expanded to cause damage in Suphan Buri province, by collecting advance d eposits before defaulting on contracts, leading to disputes that nearly resulted in a shooting, but were resolved through negotiation. News reports also indicate that in addition to investigating over 5,900 test takers whose names were linked to the exam fraud, many other victims were found who paid money and had their answer sheets altered but were not included in the list of those who passed the exam. This was due to the quota of positions being cut. Investigators are currently tracing the financial transactions of Ms. Nawaporn, including the transfers to other individuals. In-depth investigations have revealed that the local government recruitment exam fraud ring involved three high-ranking officials, including the Director-General of the Department of Local Administration.