Thai authorities have arrested a prime suspect involved in a cryptocurrency scam worth 797 million baht.

Details of the Arrest

The Thailand Police arrested Parinya Jaravijit, elder brother of Thai actor, Jirapisit “Boom” Jaravijit, on October 11 (Thursday), at the Suvarnabhumi Airport. Parinya was afterward brought before the Ratchadapisek Criminal Court on October 12 his detention application. His detention will last for 12 days, starting from today, October 12, through October 23.

According to The Nation, the suspect’s family and his lawyer earlier prepared assets worth Bt20 million for Parinya’s release on bail. However, the Thai police rejected Parinya’s offer for a bail release. This is based on the fact that the suspect was likely to abscond and the case caused extensive damages.

Parinya Jaravijit is a key suspect in a Bitcoin scam worth 797 million Baht. Parinya is currently slammed with double charges involving money laundering activities and fraud. After his capture at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport, the CSD interrogated him in the presence of his lawyer.

Pol Colonel Chakrit Sawasdee, CSD deputy chief, stated that the Immigration Police in the U.S. revoked Parinya’s passport, thereby blocking his entry. Parinya had to come back to his country. Parinya, however, maintains he is innocent.

Previous suspects, Chakris Ahmad, a businessman, and Prasit Srisuwan, an investor, said they were innocent. However, after settlement talks in September, the complainant dropped all charges against Ahmad and Srisuwan.

The CSD deputy chief stated that Suwit and Lertchatkamon Jaravijit, parents of Parinya, will face money-laundering charges on Wednesday, October 17.

The 797 million Baht Bitcoin Scam

Earlier in August, Bangkok police arrested famous Thai actor, Jiratpisit “Boom” Jaravijit, in a cryptocurrency scam worth 797 million Baht. Jiratpisit and his gang deceived a Finnish businessman into sending Bitcoins to buy shares in companies that invested in Dragon Coin’s ICO.

The victim transferred 797 million worth of BTC to the suspects’ e-wallets. The Finnish somewhat became suspicious when there was no invitation to board meetings of said companies. Consequently, the victim informed the Thai authorities, leading to the arrest of Jiratpisit and seven others, including siblings Parinya and Supitcha.

The Thai authorities also confiscated assets worth 200 million baht. Jiratpisit, however, denied the charges against him and the Thai police temporarily released him on a 2-million baht bail bond. The actor was also told not to leave the country.

Image courtesy of Pixabay.