Dhammajayo petitions OAG over money-laundering case

Dhammajayo petitions OAG over money-laundering case

Phra Dhammajayo has filed a petition with the Office of the Attorney General for justice in a money-laundering case in connection with the Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative (KCUC) multi-million-baht embezzlement scandal.

The petition was filed on Monday by Somchai Meebangyang, the lawyer of Wat Phra Dhammakaya temple in Pathum Thani, through Panchote Boonsiri, a special case prosecutor and member of the OAG's team of spokesmen.

Mr Somchai said there were many points with legal contradictions in the money-laundering and receiving of stolen property case filed by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) as special case No.27/2016 against Supachai Srisupa-aksorn, the former KCUC chairman, Phra Dhammajayo, and three other defendants.

As the case is still being considered by the OAG, the lawyer wanted the prosecutors to take into consideration all legal points which might concern and order an additional investigation of witnesses to ensure justice for the defendants.

Mr Somchai raised the following points involving the suspects which he said contradicted one another.

First, in special case No.63/2014, the DSI accused Supachai and his colleagues of cheating the public. The accusation indicated that the money did not belong to the KCUC, but members of the public. If the money was acquired through illegal means, it must be returned to the damaged parties.

Second, in special case No.146/2013, the DSI accused Supachai of embezzling his employer's money. The accusation indicated that the money belonged to the KCUC, Supachai's employer.

Third, in special case No.146/2013, the KCUC was the damaged party.  But the in special case No.63/2014 it was the people who were the damaged party. The damaged parties in the two cases were not the same, despite the fact that the two cases involved the same amount of money.

Fourth, the special case No.27/2016 on money-laundering was based on case No.63/2014 regarding cheating the public. However, Supachai had not yet been found guilty in the latter case. Therefore, it was against the law to charge Phra Dhammajayo with money-laundering and receiving stolen property.

Because of these contradictions, the lawyer asked the OAG to order an additional investigation of witnesses.

Supachai has been found guilty in the embezzlement case and is serving a 16-year jail term in this case.

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT (11)