Big Joke faces 2 charges over financial links to gambling operators

The Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, faces two charges after financial transactions of his were found linked with the online gambling operators. Four other senior police officers were found involved but their identities had not yet been revealed.

The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) officers raided Big Joke’s home in September last year over his alleged involvement in the gambling website operation. Eight police officers who worked closely with the deputy commissioner also face the same allegations.

It was later confirmed that all eight subordinates were involved in the gambling ring. They were identified as Police Major General Namkiat Teerarotjanapong, Police Colonel Khemarin Pitsamai, Police Colonel Parkbhum Pitsamai, Police Colonel Arrit Kuprasitrat, Police Major Chanon Aumthorn, Police Sergeant Nattawut Watwaew,…