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Former Prosecutor Arrested for Accepting Bribes After Fleeing for Over 20 Years

Bangkok: Central Investigation Bureau police arrest former prosecutor for accepting bribes to help drug suspects after fleeing the country for more than 20 years.

According to Thai News Agency, the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) brought an arrest warrant from the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Region 3 dated December 26, 2023, on charges of 'offenses against the judicial position' to arrest Mr. Kongsiri, aged 67, at his residence in the Ban Chang Lo Subdistrict, Bang Khun Non District, Bangkok, after fleeing the court warrant.

In 2001, Mr. Kongsiri, who was then a civil servant in the Office of the Attorney General and held the position of provincial prosecutor at the Office of the Attorney General of Yasothon Province, received 100,000 baht from the wife of a drug suspect in exchange for aiding her in avoiding imprisonment. Despite investigators gathering evidence and advocating for charges, Mr. Kongsiri accepted the bribe to assist the suspect.

Subsequently, the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Region 3 found Mr. Kongsiri guilty. He contested the case through the justice process until the Supreme Court sentenced him to 3 years and 4 months in prison. However, Mr. Kongsiri evaded hearing the verdict and alternated living between Yasothon Province and Bangkok.

Recently, the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases Region 3 issued an arrest warrant due to the case's implications on public confidence in the justice system. Today, February 2, 2025, authorities executed a search and arrest warrant, taking Mr. Kongsiri into custody immediately. Mr. Kongsiri has confessed to all charges.

Authorities issued a warning to civil servants in the justice system, emphasizing that accepting bribes or benefits will lead to disciplinary action and prosecution under the Criminal Code. Judicial officers, prosecutors, case managers, or investigators who demand or accept property face imprisonment of 5-20 years or life imprisonment, a fine of 100,000-400,000 baht, or a death sentence.