BANGKOK: The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has reported that a staggering 5,648 victims have come forward to give statements in the high-profile The Icon Group investment fraud case, with total damages amounting to 1,611 million baht. Seized assets related to the case are valued at approximately 225 million baht. According to Thai News Agency, the CIB has been actively gathering testimonies and evidence from victims at their headquarters. As of October 19, 2024, 165 victims had already provided statements, accounting for damages of 55.7 million baht. Between October 10-20, a total of 2,875 victims were interviewed, with reported damages totaling 979 million baht. The Royal Thai Police Operations Center (RTPOC) compiled data from complaints filed at both the Provincial Police Complaint Center and the Metropolitan Police Bureau. On October 19, 2024, they recorded 892 victims reporting losses exceeding 207 million baht. Over the span of October 18-19, 2,773 victims had been questioned, revealing damages o f more than 632 million baht. Seized assets in the case include 29 vehicles, three plots of land and associated houses, 7,524,000 baht in cash, 151 items of valuable goods such as watches and branded items, and two firearms. The total worth of these seized assets is approximately 225 million baht. Following a directive from the National Police Commissioner, complaint centers were established nationwide on October 18, 2024, to streamline the process for victims reporting incidents. The CIB's complaint center serves as a model to ease the process for victims. The police commissioner emphasized the need for diligent monitoring to ensure no complaints are ignored. The CIB is currently expediting information compilation from victim interviews, investigative data, and evidence analysis. They have assured that any significant developments will be communicated to the media as they arise. Under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, the CIB warns that individuals involved in the concealment or transfer of assets related t o the offense could face imprisonment from one to ten years, fines from twenty thousand to two hundred thousand baht, or both. The CIB encourages the public to report any relevant information or inquiries regarding the investment fraud case or other offenses by contacting their hotline at 1599 or reaching out to the Consumer Protection Police Division 1 (CPB) for further action.
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