Govt officials involved in illegal pork imports, DSI probe finds
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) suspects government officials were involved in the cases of illegal imports of frozen pork, which damaged the interests of Thai farmers.
The DSI also disclosed investigation developments in the cases related to stock manipulation involving STARK and MORE.
The DSI said its investigation into the unauthorised import of pork products into the country — totalling 161 containers and weighing 4,025 tons — appeared to involve government officials. Related documents have been forwarded to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for further action.
The DSI is also investigating the import of an additional 2,385 containers, totalling 59,625 tons. Preliminary findings suggest an organised criminal activity that poses a severe threat to food security and agricultural livelihoods, the DSI said. This criminal organisation is believed to comprise three groups: capitalists, government officials, and former officials, the DSI said.
In the corruption case at Stark Corporation Limited Public Co Ltd, where 4,704 victims suffered losses amounting to 14.778 billion baht, the DSI said the ongoing investigation was nearing completion. Authorities have interrogated five of the accused, questioned 157 witnesses, and filed charges against 11 suspects for offences related to falsifying accounts and financial statements, defrauding the public, and money laundering. A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Chanin Yensudchai, and the seized/confiscated assets have been handed over to the Anti-Money Laundering Office for further proceedings.
Regarding the stock manipulation case involving MORE Return Public Co Ltd from July 18 to November 10, 2022, the DSI said it had questioned the complainant — the Securities and Exchange Commission — and 10 securities companies. A total of 32 individuals are accused of collectively manipulating the price or trading volume of MORE securities, resulting in estimated damage of approximately 800 million baht.
The DSI has filed charges against four individuals, examined 77 witnesses, and provided asset information to the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC).
The PACC has seized assets in 34 accounts, totalling around 4 billion baht. The prime minister has also appointed police officers to assist in the DSI's investigation, and a joint meeting is scheduled for the upcoming week.
