Anant to answer DSI money-laundering rap

Property tycoon Anant Asavabhokin is expected to report to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) today to answer charges in connection with the Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative (KCUC) embezzlement case.

A source close to the investigation said the businessman had arranged to meet the DSI two days before the June 7 summons to answer charges of collaboration in money-laundering and conspiracy to commit an offence.

The department summonsed him to appear before investigators on suspicion that he laundered money through a land purchase deal in which the land would be donated to Wat Phra Dhammakaya but ended up falling under his ownership.

The property tycoon is a founder and major shareholder of Land and Houses Plc (LH). He stepped down as chairman of LHFG, LH Bank, Land and Houses Plc (LH) and Home Product Center Plc (HMPRO) after the summons was issued.