Rome: Prime Minister Rome has called on the government to initiate legal proceedings against politicians implicated in the "Ben Smith-Huai Wan Pay" network, citing delays that have enabled the accused to shutter their businesses and escape. The Minister of Justice has noted Cambodia's lack of cooperation and emphasized the need for supporting evidence before it can be presented in parliament. Arrest warrants have been issued for "Yim Liak and his wife, and Ben Smith and his wife."
According to Thai News Agency, during a session of the House of Representatives chaired by Speaker Sophon Saram, party-list MP Rangsiman Rome questioned the Prime Minister about the efforts to tackle scammers and money launderers associated with the Hui Wan Pay network. Police Lieutenant General Ruttapol Naowarat, the Minister of Justice, responded on behalf of the Prime Minister.
Rangsiman Rome highlighted the Central Investigation Bureau's findings regarding the money laundering scheme, known as Skyfall, linked to Huione Pay and associated with dubious funds in the CAI fund. He sought information on the progress of the Ben Smith case, including whether a Red Notice or Silver Notice had been issued to facilitate further investigation through Interpol, and if the probe would extend to politicians and networks within Thailand, encompassing former ministers, current MPs, and former prime ministers.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruttapol outlined the ongoing progress in the case concerning the network of Ben Smith and Hui Wan Pay, connected to Yim Liak, with evidence confirming their association. The operation against the scammers includes criminal proceedings and asset seizure, with three criminal cases in focus. Arrest warrants were issued for Yim Liak and his wife, along with 42 others, and 30 suspects have been apprehended, with the case forwarded to the Special Prosecutor's Office. Meanwhile, Yim Liak and his wife remain fugitives, prompting contact with Interpol for a Red Notice.
The Minister of Justice elaborated on the asset seizure process, conducted in two phases. The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) initially ordered the seizure of assets from Yim Liak, Ben Smith, and others, totaling 12 billion baht. Subsequently, the court ordered the seizure of additional items valued at 8.2 billion baht. In total, 103 items worth 20 billion baht have been seized, with the process currently under review, pending publication in the Royal Gazette for victims to file petitions for rights protection.
Further, the Minister of Justice explained that the action against Huiwanpay Company involved the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) in coordination with the Crime Suppression Division and the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECSD). He advocated for cases of public interest to be managed through a committee process for transparent progress tracking. The Huiwanpay case led to arrests following a complaint from a 75-year-old victim, with investigators recommending prosecution and submitting the case file to the public prosecutor, currently under the Criminal Court's consideration.
The lack of cooperation from Cambodia, particularly in providing shareholder details of Hui Wanpay, has hindered comprehensive investigations. Despite this, efforts remain focused on aspects relevant to Thailand, as noted by Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruttapol.
Rangsiman Rome expressed concerns over the lack of progress in expanding the Hui Wan Pay investigation, emphasizing the need for a more proactive approach in asset recovery for victims. He questioned the effectiveness of Interpol notices and called for clarification on whether red notices have been genuinely issued.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruttapol confirmed ongoing investigations into companies conducting transactions with HuiwanPay, resulting in damages of 193 million baht and leading to multiple legal actions. He stressed the importance of clear evidence in legal proceedings, dismissing reliance on unverifiable sources.
Rangsiman Rome reiterated his readiness to provide information and invited relevant agencies to Parliament for further discussions, emphasizing the urgency of action and accountability in addressing the involvement of high-profile individuals in the HuiwanPay network.