Bangkok:The Criminal Court has acquitted Samart Jenchaichitvanich, his mother Mrs. Wilawan, and Waratpol Waratvorakul, also known as Boss Paul, in a money laundering case involving 2.5 million baht linked to The Icon Group.
According to Thai News Agency, the charges were filed by the Public Prosecutor's Office, Special Cases Division 1, against Mr. Samart, the former president of the Confederation Against Pyramid Schemes in Thailand; Mrs. Wilawan; Mr. Waratpol, former CEO of The Icon Group Co., Ltd.; and The Icon Group Co., Ltd. They were accused of jointly laundering money and conspiring to launder money belonging to The Icon Group. Mr. Samart and his mother attended the court hearing, while Boss Paul was brought from Bangkok Special Prison to hear the verdict.
The court's decision was based on the insufficiency of the plaintiff's evidence, which failed to demonstrate that the money originated from illegal activities or that there was any concealment or assistance in hiding the source. The court ruled that there was no proof of criminal activity related to the funds, resulting in the dismissal of the case.
Mr. Samart expressed gratitude to the judge for the verdict and maintained his innocence, denying any connection to an audio clip allegedly featuring a politician identified as "S." He plans to meet with the Permanent Secretary of Justice to request an investigation into the Department of Special Investigation's handling of the case.
Despite the dismissal, Boss Paul remains involved in a separate case concerning public fraud and conspiracy, with the court currently examining witnesses. The process is expected to conclude by the end of next year.