Six cops charged over bribes

Six cops charged over bribes

Six policemen at Huai Khwang station have been charged with taking bribes in connection with the alleged extortion of a Taiwanese actress and her friends at a checkpoint on Jan 4.

The charges were brought against Pol Capt Yodrit Langdulsen, deputy inspector for crime suppression; Pol Capt Patiphan Sirichaiwatana, deputy inspector for general administration; Pol Snr Sgt Maj Krisada Khammana, Pol Sgt Chalermchai Siriwangso, Pol Sgt Wacharanont Khaoyong and Pol Sgt Nanthawat Suwanna.

The charges carry a potential life sentence and a fine of up to 400,000 baht under Section 149 of the Criminal Code's provisions on bribery.

Another senior sergeant major who was assigned to the same checkpoint was not charged because he was responding to another incident at the time.

The officers were earlier charged with dereliction of duty for failing to make an arrest over the group's illegal possession of vaping devices.

The bribery charge came after a Singaporean man told reporters on Wednesday that he paid 27,000 baht to the officers at the checkpoint to prevent them from arresting the group, which included Taiwanese actress Charlene An.

The 33-year-old actress yesterday posted a video to thank whistleblower and former politician, Chuvit Kamolvisit, for standing by her in the controversy.

Mr Chuvit held a press conference at his hotel on Wednesday for the 29-year-old Singaporean man who identified himself only as "Sky" to relate what he said happened at the checkpoint in Huai Khwang district.

Pol Maj Gen Theeradet Thammasuthee, investigative commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said yesterday the six policemen who were additionally charged had initially confessed but later denied any wrongdoing.

The commander confirmed that the tourists would not be charged with bribery because it was a case of extortion.

The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct has denied bail for the six policemen.

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT (1)