Arrest warrants have been issued for nine police officers, mostly with the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), connected with disgraced former central investigation chief Pongpat Chayapan for allegedly receiving bribes from online football gambling services.
A chart shown at the Crime Suppression Division in 2009, describing the online football gambling organisation called Abubakar bin Sulaiman. (Photo by Apichit Jinakul)
The Criminal Court on Thursday approved the warrants requested by police stationed at Phahon Yothin in Bangkok.
The warrants are for the arrest of Pol Col Watcharapol Thongluan, a CSD superintendent; Pol Col Athip Thaennil, a CSD special operations superintendent; Pol Lt Col Pipat Chawengrat, an inspector at the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD); Pol Maj Chakkrapan Leelananthawong, a CSD inspector; Pol Capt Nithipat Kangruambutr, CSD deputy inspector for special operations; Pol Lt Col Wattana Polngandee, a CSD inspector, Pol Col Supat Lim-im, a TCSD superintendent, Pol Maj Apisit Mekprayoon, a CSD inspector for special operations; and Pol Capt Sakarin Kesornthian, a deputy inspector at the Anti-Human Trafficking Division.
They are accused of receiving bribes in connection with the online football gambling network Abubakar bin Sulaiman.
Former Central Investigation Bureau chief Pongpat Chayapan faces the same charge, along with many other charges.
The officers reportedly took part in raids on facilities operated by the online network about five years ago and later demanded bribes for the release of confiscated accounts and assets.