A large portion of the money embezzled from Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative went to Wat Phra Dhammakaya, its abbot and associates, according to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI).
DSI spokesman Worranan Srilum said on Saturday most of the cooperative's money cashed from 878 cheques worth 11.3 billion baht signed by former chairman Supachai Srisupa-aksorn went to the temple and its associates including its abbot Phra Dhammachayo.
Among the key recipients wwere the temple and related persons including Phra Dhammachayo and his close aide monk Phra Palad Wijan. Of the 714 million baht in total this group received, 225 million baht went to the abbot and 119 million baht to Phra Palad Wijan.
The second major recipient is SW Holding Co Ltd, a company opposite the temple in Pathum Thani province which obtained 127 million baht from Mr Supachai. The DSI suspects the firm is a nominee of Wat Phra Dhammakaya since it is run by Sathaporn Wattanasirinukul, a former monk at the temple for 20 years before he left to run the company.
The third recipient of the cheques is Mongkol Setthi Credit Union Cooperative, located in the compound of Wat Phra Dhammakaya. Mr Supachai is also the former chairman of Mongkol Setthi Credit Union Cooperative and ex-treasurer of Wat Phra Dhammakaya.
Mongkol Setthi Credit Union Cooperative received money from Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative to be lent it to Wat Phra Dhammakaya's followers so they could donate to the temple.
Pol Maj Worranan said about 500 followers had borrowed a combined 230 million baht from Monkol Setthi Credit Union Cooperative and donated it to Wat Phra Dhammakaya.
The spokesman said the DSI would next week conclude its investigation into Wat Phra Dhammakaya's suspected involvement in money laundering in relation to the embezzlement at Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative.
Pol Lt Col Somboon Sarasit, DSI special crime director, said he would summon for interrogation the recepients of the cheques, including Phra Dhammachayo.