Home of Thai police chief raided over illegal gambling activities

As part of “Operation Big Cleaning Day,” Thai authorities headed by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) conducted a search on the Bangkok home of Deputy National Police Chief Surachate Hakparn. Suspicion of Surachate’s involvement in illegal online wagering prompted this operation.

The operation required the collaboration of CCIB officers, anti-corruption unit officers, and Metropolitan Police special operations commandos. Early in the morning, they carried out a search warrant at Surachate’s residence. Surachate initially denied entry to his home on the basis of his authority as the deputy superintendent of the Royal Thai Police. However, the search continued after the CCIB commissioner, Lieutenant General Voravat Watnakhonbancha, arrived and approved the search warrant.

The investigation was expanded to include the five residences Surachate purchased for his subordinates on the same property. The authorities also conducted home inspections in 30 different Bangkok neighborhoods, including Surachate’s.

These investigations are related to suspicions that a small police unit is connected to a Laos-based online wagering platform valued at THB1 billion (US$27.75 million). Officials from the CCIB gathered evidence of financial activities within this network, which led to the search of Surachate’s property and the interrogation of high-ranking police officers under his command.

Surachate confirmed that a group of five to six individuals under his command are anticipated to face arrest warrants due to their alleged involvement in unlawful wagering. He maintains his innocence and considers his subordinates to be blameless as well.

Original story by: Casino.org