Surrender deadline for Bitcoin scam suspect

Surrender deadline for Bitcoin scam suspect

The prime suspect behind an alleged scam network that swindled a Finnish investor out of almost 800 million baht worth of bitcoin has until Monday to turn himself in before efforts will be made to extradite him, the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) says.

Prinya Jaravijit is believed to be in the United States.

CSD deputy commander Pol Col Chakrit Sawasdee said Mr Prinya was summoned to meet investigators earlier today, but his lawyer petitioned officers to postpone it for a month, citing necessity to compile more evidence to fight the case.

Pol Col Chakrit said he was aware that the summons has been pushed back several times but the suspect still failed to turn up.

The suspect was then asked to come in on Monday and if he still ignores it, relevant agencies will be contacted to try to bring him back to face prosecution, the CSD deputy chief said on Thursday.

Pol Col Chakrit said former army officer Thammanat Phromphao, who is suspected of receiving shares from Mr Prinya, was questioned by investigators on Tuesday.

Capt Thammanat said he was not aware that he laundered money for the gang, he said.

Mr Prinya and his three siblings -- Mr Jiratpisit, Mr Tanasit and Ms Supitcha -- have been charged with fraud conspiracy and money laundering, Pol Col Chakrit said. All but Mr Prinya have already acknowledged the charges.

According to Pol Col Chakrit, the investigation report into the fraud conspiracy case is likely to be forwarded to prosecutors next Wednesday. The money-laundering probe would be concluded as quickly as possible.

Police are considering whether to summon Mr Prinya's parents -- Suwit Jaravijit and his wife Lertchatkamol -- to acknowledge money laundering charges as officers have evidence that they received 90 million baht from their son. Both claimed innocence during questioning.

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