The Criminal Court on Wednesday sentenced Siapo Po-arnon, a popular net idol, to 54 years in jail for money laundering and promoting online gambling.

Siapo, 30, was among 21 defendants named in a lawsuit.

According to the suit, the 21 defendants were divided into three groups – the first an executive group, the second those who handled money transactions, and the third holders of bank accounts for accepting online bets.

The executive group comprised Siapo, his wife Chuthamas Chanthee, his elder brother and his wife. Siapo’s mother, who earlier fled, was also a member of this group.

According to the suit, a total of 575,323 bets worth 1,760 million baht had been placed via bank accounts held by the second group. There had been 2,713 money transfers amounting to 841.67 million baht to launder money.

The elder brother and his wife were released on bail, but fled during the court trial.

The court found Siapo guilty of organising and promoting online gambling, for which he received 48 months in jail. He was also convicted of money laundering, resulting in a sentence of a further 50 years – a total of 54 years behind bars.

He will serve a maximum of 20 years.

His wife Chuthamas was found guilty on two counts of promoting gambling, and was sentenced to six months in jail.

His brother was sentenced to three months in jail, while his wife was given a sentence of 14 years.