Deputy National Police Chief Police General Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn made a high-profile visit to the Taopoon Police Station yesterday afternoon, where he officially acknowledged the money laundering charges levied against him. After enduring four hours of intense questioning, he was eventually granted bail.
Speaking to reporters as he exited the police station at around 8pm, Big Joke vehemently denied all accusations, vowing to combat the charges within the court’s confines. He maintained his innocence, asserting that he should be considered as such until proven otherwise by the court.
The beleaguered 53 year old senior police official opted to surrender after a warrant for his arrest was issued by the Criminal Court, following his repeated failure to respond to three summonses from the Taopoon police.
Despite concerns that the charges might jeopardize his bid for the position of national police chief, set to be vacated upon Pol. Gen. Torsak Sukvimol’s retirement in September, Big Joke remained resolute.
Addressing speculations regarding a possible temporary suspension by the prime minister due to the severity of the allegations, the deputy chief pointed out that he isn’t the only one facing legal troubles; Torsak is also under scrutiny, reported Thai PBS World.
Both Big Joke and Torsak have been reassigned to the Prime Minister’s Office while awaiting the outcomes of their respective criminal cases, purportedly linked to an online gambling platform.
ORIGINAL STORY: Big Joke woes: Warrant issued for money laundering
The Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road was the scene of significant legal developments as investigators sought an arrest warrant for Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, Deputy National Police Chief of Thailand, following three previously issued summonses. The request for his capture was rooted in allegations of money laundering and conspiring to commit a crime, related to an investigation into gambling websites.
Investigators traced the financial activities leading back to a case at Tao Poon Police Station, where arrest warrants had been approved by the court for four suspects in March, including three police officers and one civilian. The case involved a gambling website named BNKMaster, managed by a woman using the pseudonym Pim. Despite the issuance of three summonses, Big Joke had not been apprehended, prompting the request for an arrest warrant.
The court had already conducted two inquiries into the petition for the arrest warrant earlier today. Deputy Police Commissioner Tingkorn Rangmat made his way to the court in light of these events. Big Joke, to clarify his position, submitted a letter to the Director-General of the Criminal Court, explaining that his request for a fair investigation into a special case at Tao Poon Police Station had not been met with justice from the investigative team.
This latest legal manoeuvre adds a new layer to the ongoing saga surrounding the 53 year old police official and the gambling case. It underscores the complex nature of criminal investigations and the legal battles that can ensue when high-ranking officers are implicated in criminal activities.
The court’s decision on the arrest warrant and Big Joke’s attempts to defend his actions reflect the intricate dance between law enforcement, the judiciary, and the individuals caught in the crosshairs of both.
The outcome of this legal request remains to be seen, as the court has not yet announced its decision. The developments in this case are closely watched by the public, with implications for the reputation of the police force and the rule of law in Thailand.
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