Thai PM appoints committee to investigate “Big Joke” cybercrime case

The appointment of a commission to investigate alleged police participation in online gambling operations was announced by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Tuesday. Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, deputy national police chief, was the target of recent cybercrime police searches on his residences.

Before the cabinet meeting at Government House, the prime minister made this disclosure and noted that the investigative committee has three members and is given specific instructions in a written order. Pol Gen Winai Thongsong, a former deputy national police commander who now acts as secretary, and Chartpong Chirabandhu, a former deputy attorney general, make up the other two members of the committee. Chatchai Promlert, a former permanent secretary for the interior, is the chairman.

The major goal of the panel will be to evaluate the legal and factual elements of the searches that were carried out on the homes of senior police officials in Bangkok and several other sites around the provinces on the same day. Notably, Pol Gen Surachate’s residence was one among those that was searched.

The ruling states that the searches that were carried out on Monday were ordered in response to previously identified financial transactions connected to gambling websites that were thought to have a major influence on the legal system.

Every 10 days, the prime minister will receive reports on the investigation’s progress from the investigating committee. Additionally, the prime minister has given instructions for government representatives to actively cooperate with this committee.

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Original story by: Bangkok Post