Bt32 mln worth of assets seized from alleged trafficking network kingpin

SONGKHLA, Thailand, May 9 (TNA) - Concerned authorities here have confiscated 32 million baht worth of assets from properties of Padang Besar Mayor Banchong Pongpol and his network members who are allegedly involved in trafficking and detaining Rohingya people in the wake of recent discovery of detention camps, where mass graves were found. Some 200 police, soldiers and officials from the Anti-Money Laundering Office and the Revenue Department on Saturday conducted searches on five properties owned by Banchong, an alleged kingpin of a human-trafficking network that ran the detention camps of Rohingya people in Songkhla province, and his network members. The Padang Besar Mayor and his deputy were among suspects, against whom arrest warrants were issued on Friday. Banchong turned himself to police following the arrest warrant was issued on him. Deputy police chief Police General Aek Angsananont told a press conference after the search operation that the authorities confiscated 121 items worth 32 million baht from the five properties, which were believed to be acquired through illegal means. He said police will ask the Interior Ministry to remove the Padang Besar Mayor and his deputy from their posts for misconduct. Police General Aek said police are also seeking arrest warrants for 20 suspects linked to the trafficking of Rohingya people. He said 49 arrest warrants have so far been issued and 10 suspects are now in police custody. (TNA)