Impostors busted over fees to end graft probes

Impostors busted over fees to end graft probes

Police have arrested a couple who posed as National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) officers to cheat officials who are currently being probed by the anti-graft agency out of more than two million baht.

Kaeo Prasomphon and Arunrat Wangphrom told victims they could get them off the hook, in exchange for payments that range between 20,000 to 200,000 baht, police said.

"The pair mainly targeted officials with local administrative bodies and school administrators," said Pol Col Arun Wachirasrusukanya, the Crime Suppression Division's (CSD) chief for subdivision 2.

The couple were able to scam many victims because, prior to making the calls to introduce themselves as NACC officers, the pair did their research by combing through misconduct reports posted on the NACC's website and from the media," said Sutthi Bunmi, the chief of NACC's investigation office.

"Both suspects managed to gain their victims' trust because they were able to correctly name NACC officers in charge of the probes, and explain in detail the investigation processes," Mr Sutthi said. It is not clear how much they gleaned.

He said that Mr Kaeo had spent almost one year on the run for running scams that caused over six million baht in losses.

"He was arrested, but he later jumped bail and disappeared," said Mr Sutthi.

According to investigators, Mr Kaeo is wanted by police on a total of 10 charges, which range from posing as a state official to demanding bribes and fraud.

His 37-year-old wife is also accused of colluding to lure victims.

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