Bangkok: The National Police Chief has expressed a lack of concern over prosecuting major figures in the scam industry, despite acknowledging the lack of cooperation from some countries in extraditing scammers. This stance was revealed amidst ongoing efforts by the Thai government to combat illegal activities, especially those involving scams that undermine national security.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, emphasized at a recent press conference on narcotics the need for serious action against scammers. He announced the creation of a committee to tackle this issue and assured the public that the government would employ all available resources to prevent these illegal activities from threatening the country's future and security.
Mr. Anutin further elaborated on the government's efforts, highlighting ongoing asset seizures and the involvement of the Anti-Money Laundering Office in prosecuting scammers. He stated that the National Police Chief had reported numerous prosecutions and asset seizures, reinforcing the collaborative approach between various agencies to dismantle these criminal networks.
The Prime Minister also addressed allegations of Cabinet involvement in an international scam, noting that the accused had sought to clarify their positions publicly. He reiterated that any evidence of connections to transnational crime would be met with decisive action, regardless of the individuals' identities or positions.
Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet, the National Police Chief, confirmed that Thai police are leading efforts against scammers, supported by a policy on cyber security. Despite challenges in international cooperation, particularly in extradition operations, the police remain committed to pursuing legal action against those involved in scams.
The National Police Chief also mentioned the case of Pol. Gen. Surachet Hakpal, who provided information on individuals linked to scams. The information is being processed by relevant agencies, highlighting the ongoing complexity of these investigations.
Pol. Gen. Kittirat affirmed the police's possession of information on various scam groups, including the notorious Chen Zhi group. While some countries have cooperated in sharing intelligence, others remain uncooperative, complicating extradition efforts.
In addressing concerns about high-ranking officials potentially being involved, the National Police Chief assured that actions would be taken against any individuals implicated, based on evidence. He emphasized the necessity of thorough investigations before naming any suspects, to ensure that legal actions are firmly grounded in evidence.