3 officers named in bribe probe

The Office of the Public Sector AntiCorruption Commission (PACC) will launch an investigation into three police senior officers who allegedly demanded a 2.4-million-baht bribe from a suspect in a Buddha amulet theft case.

PACC secretary-general Prayong Preeyajit yesterday said the establishment of a sub-panel to look into the case will be proposed to the PACC board for its approval within two weeks.

The probe was launched after Atchariya Ruangrattanaphong, president of a civic group which helps crime victims, lodged a petition with Mr Prayong on Tuesday, urging the PACC to take legal action against the three officers.

Mr Atchariya claimed the three police officers tried to frame the suspect, who was accused of stealing a Buddha image from Wat Pakkhininat in Bang Phlat district in June of last year. They also demanded a bribe of 2.4 million baht in exchange for release.

The three police officers implicated are Pol Lt Col Chaikaran Pengthanasakul and Pol Lt Col Montri Kongjampa, both from Bowon Mongkhon police station, and Pol Maj Natthaphol Juiamnuay from Bang Yi Khan police station.

Mr Prayong said the office was examining evidence submitted by Mr Atchariya. The evidence consisted of a video clip and an audio file recording bribery conversations and cash transfer bank slips.

After the panel is established, the results of the investigation will come out within a month, he said.

On Thursday, Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) acting commissioner Sanit Mahathaworn also ordered the transfer of the three officers to the MPB, pending the investigation.

Deputy police spokesman Songpol Wattanachai yesterday denied the three policemen were transferred after being found to have committed wrongdoing.

Pol Maj Gen Sonpol insisted the transfer was conducted according to police disciplinary measures so the investigation can be carried out transparently.

Another panel established by the MPB’s Division 7 will also launch a probe into the case, he added.