Thai police arrested politician Samart Janechaijittawanich in Chiang Rai on Monday due to his alleged involvement in a money laundering scheme linked to The iCon Group fraud case.
His arrest occurred at noon, following the morning apprehension of his mother, Wilawan Phutthasamrit, at her residence in Bangkok.
Yutthana Praedam, the Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), noted that Mr. Samart hastily left his home in the Taling Chan district, a detail evident from the air conditioning still running during the search.
DSI investigations suggest Mr. Samart received 3 million baht via his mother’s bank account from executives of The iCon Group. This amount included 2.5 million baht from the group’s chief executive, Warathaphon Waratyaworrakul.
This money originated from fundraising activities by The iCon Group, a direct sales company currently facing prosecution for public fraud. It was then funneled to Mr. Samart’s mother through Warathaphon, also known as Boss Paul.
According to Pol Maj Yutthna, “The prosecuted company transferred six-digit sums monthly for a period.”
Police from Provincial Police Region 5 carried out the arrest, and Mr. Samart was transported to Bangkok for further questioning that evening.
Ms. Wilawan, Mr. Samart’s mother, is alleged to have received about 100 million baht from various sources, including 2.5 million baht from Boss Paul.
Additionally, Ms. Wilawan received a total of 500,000 baht from another The iCon Group suspect, referred to as Boss Peter, in several small transactions over time.
The Criminal Court issued a warrant for Mr. Samart’s arrest on Sunday. He is 41 years old and a former deputy spokesman for the Palang Pracharath Party.
Mr. Samart’s involvement with The iCon Group was revealed after an audio clip surfaced, allegedly capturing a conversation between The iCon Group’s CEO and a non-MP House committee member discussing the resolution of a complaint in exchange for money.
