Post by Soutpeel on Apr 6, 2016 10:46:41 GMT 7
Govt probes Thais over Panama leaks
List of 21 implicated in papers including high-profile figures
AUTHORITIES have stepped up their investigation to determine whether Thai nationals have been involved in money laundering, tax evasion or other financial crimes in connection with the "Panama Papers", a massive data leak that has hit dozens of celebrities and world leaders.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday pledged to take legal action against wrongdoers while responsible agencies were waiting for official documents before they proceeded with legal action after the disclosure of an unconfirmed list of 21 Thai citizens implicated as using the Panama-based law firm Mossack Fonseca's services to hide assets overseas.
The 21 people include businessmen, bankers and other well-known persons.
Prayut said Thai authorities would also follow up on possible foreign prosecutions against wrongdoers. "If there were really Thais who committed [financial crimes], they could be put in jail," he said.
Deputy premier Prawit Wongsuwan said people implicated in the Panama Papers cases would have to clarify their positions with regard to possible wrongdoing.
Pisit Leelawachiropas, the Auditor General, said his agency would work with the Revenue Department to check the tax records of the 21 people who reportedly had used Mossack Fonseca's services.
In addition, the Auditor General will work with the National Anti-Corruption Commission, Anti-Money Laundering Organisation and Bank of Thailand to examine the money trails revealed by the massive data leak.
However, Justice Minister Paiboon Koomchaya cautioned that there should not be a foregone conclusion that all clients of the Panama-based law firm had committed wrongdoing since authorities had to examine details of the transactions prior to making a judgement.
www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Govt-probes-Thais-over-Panama-leaks-30283379.html
List of 21 implicated in papers including high-profile figures
AUTHORITIES have stepped up their investigation to determine whether Thai nationals have been involved in money laundering, tax evasion or other financial crimes in connection with the "Panama Papers", a massive data leak that has hit dozens of celebrities and world leaders.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday pledged to take legal action against wrongdoers while responsible agencies were waiting for official documents before they proceeded with legal action after the disclosure of an unconfirmed list of 21 Thai citizens implicated as using the Panama-based law firm Mossack Fonseca's services to hide assets overseas.
The 21 people include businessmen, bankers and other well-known persons.
Prayut said Thai authorities would also follow up on possible foreign prosecutions against wrongdoers. "If there were really Thais who committed [financial crimes], they could be put in jail," he said.
Deputy premier Prawit Wongsuwan said people implicated in the Panama Papers cases would have to clarify their positions with regard to possible wrongdoing.
Pisit Leelawachiropas, the Auditor General, said his agency would work with the Revenue Department to check the tax records of the 21 people who reportedly had used Mossack Fonseca's services.
In addition, the Auditor General will work with the National Anti-Corruption Commission, Anti-Money Laundering Organisation and Bank of Thailand to examine the money trails revealed by the massive data leak.
However, Justice Minister Paiboon Koomchaya cautioned that there should not be a foregone conclusion that all clients of the Panama-based law firm had committed wrongdoing since authorities had to examine details of the transactions prior to making a judgement.
www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Govt-probes-Thais-over-Panama-leaks-30283379.html
