The transaction occurred “just before President Paul's arrest”
Last Thursday, police took iCon group suspects from the Central Bureau of Investigation to the Bangkok Criminal Court for extended detention. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpatarasil)
The Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) is investigating traces of approximately 241 million USDT. cryptocurrencyworth more than 8 billion baht, scam get involved icon group.
Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasat Jantararuangthong said he had instructed AMRO to investigate the transfer of virtual currency. “Initial tests have shown that hundreds of thousands of people were involved. The investigation will take time,” said Prasert, who oversees the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB).
He said a committee has also been set up to investigate the scandal involving iCon Group, and that the committee will report on its progress next week. Prasert said the committee had 30 days to compile its report, adding that it was also cooperating with the Central Bureau of Investigation.
Previously, Interior Minister Adviser Ekapop Luangprasert told the police's Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) that iCon Group founder and CEO Waratapong “Boss Paul” Waracha They called for an investigation into virtual currency transactions that occurred immediately before Worakul's arrest. .
Ekapop claimed there was evidence that more than 8 billion baht had been transferred to buy another cryptocurrency, Ethereum, in the hour before his arrest. He called on police to investigate whether the transaction was linked to the founder of Icon Group.
Meanwhile, a group of 40 Thais and foreigners living overseas has accused Icon Group of failing to deliver the products they paid for, resulting in a loss of 20 million baht. The total number of complaints is now approaching 3,000.
Itidet Thanetwattana, a representative for the Thai and foreign victims, arrived at the Central Bureau of Investigation (CIB) in Bangkok on Saturday to file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Police Department.
He brought documents including receipts for purchases of Icon products, photos of the stores where he ordered products sold overseas, and photos of the victims with Waratapon.
Itidet said the 40 victims (20 from Asia and 20 from Europe) had lost at least 20 million baht. They live in China, Hong Kong, Macau, Italy, Germany, Canada, Estonia and Luxembourg. He said most of his agents did not want to become dealers in the company's business network and simply ordered products for sale. They sent money to buy products, but nothing was delivered.
Most of the victims were housewives who often ordered products from Thailand to sell in their countries of residence. Itidet said they were drawn to icon ads on Facebook that featured celebrity “boss” and inspired trust in the company.
A Thai woman living in Hong Kong sent more than 1 million baht to buy cocoa powder, coffee and collagen products. Only some products have arrived. Itidet said she tried to contact her agent, but the agent denied any responsibility. Many of the victims did not receive the goods even after sending money.
He said Chinese and other foreign victims were worried about communication constraints as well as transportation costs, which made it difficult to follow up on their complaints. Itidet said relatives and friends in Thailand could be empowered to submit statements to police.
The total number of complaints against iCon Group continues to increase. As of Saturday, a total of 2,910 people had filed complaints with the police, who are investigating the company for operating a pyramid scheme, resulting in a total loss of 911 million baht.
Waratafon, 41, and 17 other suspects, including celebrities, were arrested on Wednesday on charges of public fraud and entering false information into a computer system. They denied the charges.
Most did not apply for bail, but the three who applied were denied. All 18 suspects were taken into custody.
