Over 2,000 individuals have lodged formal complaints with law enforcement against The iCon Group, a well-known online business promoter, accusing it of orchestrating a pyramid scheme that resulted in total losses of 841 million baht.
The Deputy Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), Pol Maj Gen Sophon Saraphat, announced on Friday that 2,170 complaints have been registered, leading to the reported financial damages.
In reaction, the national police chief, Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet, has ordered the establishment of complaint centers across the country based on the model used by the CIB, to ensure that all alleged victims have a platform to file their complaints.
Pol Maj Gen Sophon emphasized that all police divisions are mandated to accept these complaints, and any failure to comply will trigger disciplinary measures against the non-compliant units.
During the investigation, authorities confiscated 24 luxury vehicles, 7.5 million baht in cash, 51 luxury watches, and various high-end bags and products connected to the fraud case involving The iCon Group, with the seized assets totaling about 210 million baht.
Some individuals involved, who had shifted their assets, might be prosecuted for money laundering.
Regarding further arrests, Pol Maj Gen Sophon stated that no one, not even celebrities or religious figures, would be spared from arrest warrants if implicated in the crimes.
Currently, 18 individuals, including the founder and CEO of The iCon Group, Waranthaphon “Boss Paul” Wratyaworrakul, have been detained on charges of public fraud and entering false information into a computer system, and they remain in custody.
Mr. Waranthaphon, aged 41, appeared visibly distressed as he was led from the CIB to the courtroom on Ratchadaphisek Road at 9:15 am.
The police have objected to granting bail due to concerns about potential collusion and the organized nature of the crimes, which have significantly affected society and involved many victims, posing a risk of him fleeing.
After reviewing the police’s submission and Mr. Waranthaphon’s statements, the court approved the detention order. He chose not to apply for bail and was subsequently transported to the Bangkok Remand Prison at 11:45 am.
Mr. Waranthaphon was among 18 individuals sought for participating in public fraud and manipulating computer data, all of whom have denied the charges.
Seventeen other suspects were presented in court the previous day, where all were sent to jail following the denial of bail for three prominent celebrities due to the risk of flight, while the others did not seek release.
The three celebrities implicated are actor Yuranunt “Boss Sam” Pamornmontri, actress Pechaya “Boss Min” Wattanamontree, and television host Kan “Boss Kan” Kantathavorn.
These suspects, known as “bosses” in the iCon Group’s marketing structure, were arrested on Wednesday after over 1,000 fraud complaints were filed.
The complaints detailed how the company enticed them with affordable online marketing courses and then pressured them into making more substantial financial commitments, leading to heavy financial losses.
CIB Deputy Commissioner Pol Maj Gen Suwat Saengnum reported that Mr. Waranthaphon requested to provide further statements about his business. The questioning concluded at 8:00 pm on Thursday before his court appearance the next day.
Amidst public skepticism regarding the firm, Pol Maj Gen Suwat stated that the investigation required more time and that his team would collaborate with other agencies to ensure justice for all parties involved.
Mr. Waranthaphon’s lawyer, Withoon Keng-ngarm, confirmed on Friday that his client would not seek bail after seeing other suspects being denied release. He visited his client at the CIB office before the court session.
During interrogation, Mr. Waranthaphon maintained that his business operations were legitimate, and his lawyer affirmed the innocence of all parties involved.
On Thursday, CIB Deputy Commissioner Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat Pankaew interrogated Mr. Waranthaphon concerning an audio clip that featured a conversation between two men.
The CEO acknowledged that the voice in the widely circulated audio clip was his but denied any involvement in bribing state officials as alleged.
His lawyer also dismissed accusations made by Ekkapop Luangprasert, an advisor to the interior minister, about converting assets into cryptocurrency for bribes.
Mr. Withoon stated that the company’s turnover amounted to 10 billion baht, disputing the possibility of using such funds for bribes.
He clarified that the individual referenced by the minister’s advisor had no ties to The iCon Group and cautioned Mr. Ekkapop that he might face legal consequences for making unfounded accusations.
