Bangkok: Government cracks down on illicit funds, seizing assets worth over 20 billion baht. Investigations are ongoing, including those of government officials and politicians; those found guilty will face the legal process. According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Ekkapop Pienpises, Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced that the government is intensifying its efforts against nominees, illicit funds, and identity theft networks, as directed by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The strategy involves integrating data across agencies, linking financial transactions of individuals and entities, and investigating assets and networks associated with illicit activities.
The Prime Minister has emphasized the importance of addressing foreign oversight and nominee issues in a clear and lawful manner. This includes tackling cases where nominees are used to hold land or run illegal businesses and preventing Thailand from being used as a base for criminal activities. However, the government remains supportive of legitimate foreign investments.
Efforts have begun to show results with the coordination of financial transaction data to identify irregularities and target fraudulent accounts. The Ministry of Commerce has been verifying shareholders against financial records, leading to a 70 percent reduction in the registration of high-risk nominee companies.
Investigations into company shareholding structures have identified approximately 2,100 companies as nominees, with over 10,000 more under suspicion. These findings have been forwarded to relevant authorities for potential legal action.
In terms of land ownership, the Ministry of Interior has identified companies acting as nominees for land worth over 80 billion baht and is initiating legal actions to enforce their sale. Additionally, investigations into fraudulent identity card networks have led to arrests in operations like "Operation End the Shadow 2" in Surat Thani province.
The crackdown on the "Yim Liak-Ben Smith" network has resulted in the seizure and freezing of assets totaling approximately 20,392 million baht, indicating a comprehensive approach from individuals to financial networks.
Mr. Ekkapop highlighted that the government's operations, which include reducing high-risk companies, verifying land ownership, dismantling identity theft schemes, and seizing assets, demonstrate a firm commitment to addressing these issues swiftly.
The government plans to continue integrating information and expanding investigations from initial sources to financial trails and related assets, ensuring offenders are brought to justice.
Mr. Ekkapop also urged political parties to cooperate fully with investigations, ensuring that any members involved in illicit activities are subjected to the judicial process without interference, maintaining fairness and impartiality in law enforcement.