Thai lawyer Sittra charged in 111m baht fraud case
The Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) has charged prominent lawyer Sittra Biabungkerd, known as Lawyer Tam, and six others in a fraud case involving Jatuporn Ubonlert, also known as Madame Oy. The court ordered them to repay 111 million baht.
This sum includes 72 million baht from a fraudulent online lottery investment scheme and 39 million baht from scams related to luxury car purchases.
The OAG disclosed that it received two investigation reports from the police on January 20, prompting the formation of a review committee due to widespread public interest.
In the first case, charges against 44 year old Sittra and his 41 year old wife, Patthitta, include fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit these offences under the Penal Code and the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
The second case involves the couple and five additional defendants, accused of fraud, deception, and submitting false documents potentially harmful to others. These alleged offences occurred between February 16, 2023, and February 6 last year in various locations across Thailand, Hong Kong, and France.
According to the OAG, the indictments highlight severe allegations, prompting comprehensive legal actions against all parties involved.
Prosecutors have filed the indictments against the seven defendants with the Criminal Court, which has acknowledged the case and scheduled a plea hearing for February 7 at 9am.
In November last year, police arrested the celebrity lawyer and his wife on a highway east of Bangkok, charging them with fraud and money laundering following Jatuporn’s claim of losing 71 million baht to him.
Jatuporn, originally from Nakhon Ratchasima province, allegedly resides with her French husband in France, having won a EuroMillions lottery jackpot worth several billion baht.
Previously, police confiscated assets from Sittra valued at over 70 million baht, including 28 million baht in cash, a luxury residence worth 43 million baht, and several high-end vehicles, reported Bangkok Post.
In April last year, Sittra had accused ex-National Police Chief General Torsak Sukvimol of bribery involving online gambling networks.
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