Cops nab 2 over ties to 'Tuhao' ring

Cops nab 2 over ties to 'Tuhao' ring

Fresh raids target 33 sites in 8 provinces

Chen: Arrestedover gang links
Chen: Arrestedover gang links

Another key suspect wanted by police in connection with a Chinese criminal syndicate linked to businessman Chaiyanat "Tuhao" Kornchayanant was detained yesterday by police.

Chinese businessman Chen Zhaohui, 52, also known as Tony, was arrested when police raided a company in Huai Khwang district of Bangkok, said Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, the deputy national police chief.

The arrest was part of an operation that included 33 raids in eight provinces, he said.

Mr Chen, who holds an American passport, was arrested on suspicion of assisting or colluding in businesses operated by foreigners without permission, Pol Gen Surachate said.

Another man identified only as Noi, a Thai national, who is a suspected nominee used by the Chinese gang to run Space Plus, a nightclub raided yesterday, was also detained for questioning, he said.

The raids came after Mr Chaiyanat turned himself in last month after Bangkok South Criminal Court issued a warrant for his arrest over his alleged involvement in the drug trade. Provinces where the police raids took place yesterday were Bangkok, Phuket, Samut Prakan, Chon Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Pathum Thani, and Ayutthaya.

The Chinese criminal ring was found to operate mainly in Samut Prakan, where a company, believed to be a nominee used in operating "grey zone" businesses, is located, said Pol Gen Surachate.

The company was found to be registered as the owner of a private jet, more than 80 tourist coaches and a hotel worth about 50 million baht, he said.

A combined team of officers from the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), Anti-Money Laundering Office, and Office of Police Forensic Science will next examine the private jet, which is currently parked at Hua Hin Airport, to search for evidence.

Up until now, four out of five Chinese financiers wanted by police in connection with the Chinese criminal network have been detained, while the other key suspect, known only as Ming, has already fled the country, said Pol Gen Surachate.

More arrest warrants will be sought for more accomplices of key suspects before the police wrap up the case in about three weeks, he said, adding the case involves the drug trade, unlawful business operations and tax evasion.

The ONCB has so far seized for inspection assets held by Mr Chaiyanat worth more than 400 million baht, including the 150-million-baht private jet.

The ONCB will also investigate whether a number of his close associates are linked to the drug trade, said Wichai Chaimongkol, secretary-general of the ONCB.

Former politician and massage parlour tycoon Chuvit Kamolvisit promised yesterday that he would soon disclose more information about the gang.

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