Big Joke associates deny money laundering charges

Two close associates of high-profile police figure Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, vehemently denied all charges in a money laundering case linked to the online gambling website BNKMaster.

The two suspects, Sub-Lieutenant Natthawut Huadwaew and Sub-Lieutenant Natthanant Choochak were granted bail of 100,000 baht (US$ 2,800) each at 10am today, March 13, at the Tao Poon Police Station after the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road issued arrest warrants for three police officers and one civilian, all reportedly close to Big Joke, a Deputy National Police Chief. They are suspected of financial transactions connected to the BNKMaster website.

Tao Poon Police Station chief Suradet Chatthai revealed that both suspects, who surrendered last night, denied the allegations of conspiring to launder money and committing money laundering as officers. They were released on bail during the investigation stage.

Suradet, who took a day off from service, added that two other suspects—Police Colonel Kittichai Sangkhathaworn, deputy commander of Songkhla Provincial Police, and Napatsakorn Haekerd, known as Eood Hat Yai—have not yet coordinated their surrender in connection with the BNKMaster case, reported KhaoSod.

The investigation into the BNKMaster gambling website unveiled financial trails leading to so-called nominee accounts held by Police Major Krit Priyakate, another close associate of Big Joke. Approximately 15 million baht (US$ 420,000) in transactions were discovered, but this is considered separate from the Minny online gambling case, which involves the same suspects.

In related news, Big Joke faces two charges after financial transactions of his were found linked with online gambling operators. Four other senior police officers were found involved but their identities had not yet been revealed.

The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau officers raided Big Joke’s home in September last year over his alleged involvement in the gambling website operation. Eight police officers who worked closely with the deputy commissioner also face the same allegations.