"Ruttapol” Confirms Evidence Gathering for “Ben Smith” Arrest Warrant

Today (24 Feb)   9:40 am At Government House, Mr. Yosawin Pienpitak, a representative of the call center victim assistance group, spoke after meeting with Pol. Gen. Ruttapol Naowarat, Minister of Justice, and Mr. Paradorn Prisnanantakul, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office. He presented a letter of gratitude to the government and the prime minister.

Mr. Yosawin stated that, as a representative of the victims, he thanked the Prime Minister and the Minister of Justice for their efforts. He noted that the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) has seized assets in this case and that the progress made was due to the Prime Minister's seriousness and commitment. This has resulted in the seizure of assets worth over 13 billion baht from the perpetrators.

Following the receipt of the letter, Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruttapol stated that he had initially discussed the problem and found that victims were partly affected by the scams and the banks that filed lawsuits and seized assets. In cases where victims are unable to repay, it falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of Justice and the Department of Rights and Liberties Protection to address and resolve the debt issues for the public before the court issues a verdict. After the court's judgment, the Department of Legal Execution will then assist with the debt matters. He agreed to bring the problems of victims affected by scammers and online crime into the Department of Rights and Liberties Protection's system to help coordinate and immediately distribute the seized assets.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruttapol further stated that the perpetrators will be brought to justice; there will be no negligence. He affirmed that the cases are not being abandoned. Furthermore, initial investigations have not found any involvement of politicians.

Reporters asked about the case of Benjamin Mauerberger (Ben Smith), specifically whether an arrest warrant could be issued immediately based on the evidence gathered and whether he is considered a principal or an accomplice. Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruttapol stated that the matter is part of the ongoing investigation, and he cannot disclose details.

Regarding whether the case includes the seizure of assets belonging to Mr. Chanonphat Naksua, the prospective MP for Songkhla Constituency 4 of the Kla Tham Party, Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruttapol said that he could not disclose details, as it is part of the ongoing investigation.