CSD turns Banyin case files over to prosecutors

The Crime Suppression Division has concluded its investigation into ex-deputy commerce minister Banyin Tangpakorn and five others over the murder of a judge’s brother earlier this year.

CSD chief Pol Maj Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej yesterday said the suspects’ case files were sent to prosecutors at a

Bangkok court, where the six will be tried for the murder.

Pol Maj Gen Jirabhop said investigators had questioned 111 witnesses and the suspects, noting the case files sent to the prosecutors consist of 4,259 pages of testimonies and accounts.

The victim was Wirachai Sakuntaprasoet, older brother of Bangkok South Criminal Court judge Phanida

Sakuntaprasoet, who was abducted as his sister was hearing a case against Mr Banyin for illegally transferring 300 million baht of shares.

On Feb 4, the victim was allegedly forced into a car near his sister’s courthouse and taken to Nakhon Sawan. Wirachai’s burnt body was later discovered in the Chao Phraya River with his belongings stuffed in fertiliser bags.

Mr Banyin and the five others face nine counts including kidnapping, criminal association and murder.

Pol Maj Gen Jirabhop said Mr Banyin and four suspects denied the charges, while one confessed to all of them, noting investigators believed they have a strong case and the evidence is substantial.

Mr Banyin’s illegal share transfer case is ongoing. He faces four criminal charges including falsifying documents and use of forged documents.

He allegedly attempted to transfer 300-million-baht worth of shares belonging to the late billionaire contractor Chuwong Sae Tang in 2015.

Mr Banyin now faces these charges as well as ones for allegedly killing Chuwong, money laundering and the abduction-murder.