Bangkok: The Crime Suppression Division police have detained "Achariya" and six accomplices after arrest warrants were issued against them for extorting 2.5 million baht from an Immigration Police Superintendent. The group allegedly demanded the money in exchange for not revealing the release of Chinese detainees.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Achariya Ruangratanapong, the president of the Crime Victims Assistance Association, along with six other suspects, was brought to the Criminal Court. Among the detained is a deputy commander of the Border Patrol Police with the rank of Police Colonel. The group was escorted out of the building discreetly to avoid the media, following an all-night interrogation. They face charges related to the extortion of the Immigration Bureau superintendent.
Police Major General Pattanaporn Bubphasuwan, head of the Crime Suppression Division, noted that the suspects were questioned separately. The interrogation concluded in the early morning hours, with all suspects cooperating but continuing to deny the charges. Bail was opposed by the investigating officers in their request.
The investigation is being divided into two parts. The Bangkok Metropolitan Police are focusing on the removal of the Chinese suspect from the immigration detention center. Meanwhile, the Crime Suppression Division is handling the extortion case.