Bangkok, Thailand – Authorities are intensifying their investigation into a second group of suspects linked to a lawyer accused of defrauding his clients of millions of baht, a senior police official disclosed on Thursday. Pol Maj-General Montree Teskhan, the head of the Crime Suppression Division, indicated that further evidence was being collected and it remains undecided if the lawyer’s close associates would be treated as witnesses or suspects.
The case came to light following allegations made by Jatuporn “Jeh Oy” Ubollert, a former client of the lawyer identified only as Sittha. Ubollert claimed that she entrusted Sittha with 71 million baht (approximately $2.1 million) to develop an online lottery platform, but the funds were misappropriated.
During police interrogations expanding over four days, Ubollert outlined numerous accusations against Sittha. She alleged that he tricked her into handing over the funds for the supposed online venture. Additionally, she was convinced to pay 39 million baht (around $1.1 million) to Sittha’s relatives, purportedly as reimbursement for bitcoins they claimed to have used to arrange a meeting with a Chinese entertainer on her behalf.
Ubollert also accused the lawyer of financial misconduct involving personal transactions, including overcharging by 1.5 million baht for a Mercedes Benz SUV and inflating the costs of hotel design services to nearly three times their actual value. She reportedly paid 9 million baht for what should have cost about 3.5 million baht.
These revelations have prompted several other victims to come forward with similar claims against Sittha, suggesting a pattern of systematic financial exploitation.
As the investigation proceeds, the police are weighing the potential of using Sittha’s associates in building their case, either as witnesses or as additional suspects. The outcome will depend largely on the evidence that continues to emerge as they dig deeper into the accused’s financial dealings.
This case underscores the broader challenges of financial crimes involving trusted professionals and highlights the need for diligent oversight in financial transactions, especially those involving significant sums and digital assets.
It’s a reminder for individuals and businesses to exercise caution and conduct thorough due diligence when entrusting others with large financial transactions or investments.
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