The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is compiling a list of suspects who will additionally face charges of fraudulent borrowing, commonly known as pyramid scheme charges, in connection with the iCon Group direct marketing case.
DSI acting secretary-general Yuthana Phraedam stated that discussions about the case with representatives from the Consumer Protection Board and the Fiscal Policy Office had provided valuable insights to support the decision to charge the suspects with fraudulent borrowing related to the scheme.
Previously, eighteen detained individuals faced charges of public fraud and computer crimes linked to computer-based invitations aimed at recruiting potential dealers to sell products. Complainants indicated that the focus of the dealers was on recruiting new members and prompting them to invest in products rather than promoting the products themselves.
Yuthana mentioned on Sunday that DSI officials had examined various facets of the case with consumer protection and fiscal policy representatives, which included the business model of the iCon Group and its product sales. The iCon Group’s CEO previously stated that their products primarily dealt with dietary supplements.
“Interrogators will finalize a list of suspects facing fraudulent borrowing charges soon,” he emphasized, reaffirming that the DSI possesses sufficient evidence for such charges.
As for the witness testimonies, Yuthana revealed that the CEO’s lawyer intended to present 20 witnesses to the DSI on Monday, which would provide valuable information regarding the ongoing investigation.
Withoon Keng-ngan, the lawyer for iCon Group CEO Waranthaphon “Boss Paul” Waratyaworrakul, noted that these 20 witnesses would form the first cohort of approximately 2,400 individuals wanting to provide information to the DSI. He also mentioned he would inquire about the DSI’s capacity to question witnesses each day.
Regarding the situation of the 18 detained suspects, Mr. Withoon remarked that they had adjusted to their new environment and were not under significant stress; however, they were concerned about their family members. He added that the suspects would seek bail set at 3 million baht since the Criminal Court had previously denied a 2 million baht bail request made by three celebrity defendants.
As of late last month, nearly 10,000 individuals had lodged complaints with police across the nation, claiming to have lost approximately 3 billion baht through their dealership ventures for The iCon Group’s products.
