Rom Threatens Section 157 Charges Against Justice Minister Over Failure to Prosecute Hunto in Huione Pay Case; Cambodian Non-Cooperation Cited
Thai authorities have issued arrest warrants and Interpol red notices for fugitives linked to the Huione Pay scam involving 900 million baht in investment fraud, with over 200 billion baht in assets seized, though prosecution efforts face d
Rom has threatened Section 157 charges against the Justice Minister, alleging knowledge that Hunton owns Huione Pay without taking action. Justice Minister Rutthapol explained that Cambodia is not providing cooperation and supporting evidence is required before parliamentary disclosure. Red notices have been issued for Jim Leak and Ben Smith along with his wife.
On May 14, 2025, during a parliament session chaired by Sophon Saramea, MP Rangsimun Rom from the People's Party list questioned the Prime Minister regarding efforts to combat scammers and money laundering involving the Huione company network. Justice Minister Rutthapol Naowarat answered on behalf of the Prime Minister.
Rom stated that based on the Central Investigation Police plan regarding money laundering and skyfalling schemes by Huione Pay (Huione Pay), which is linked to dark money in the CAI fund, he wanted answers on the progress of Ben Smith's case, whether red notices or Silver Notices have been issued for follow-up through Interpol, and whether politicians and political networks in Thailand—including former ministers now MPs and former premiers—would face expansion of the case.
Justice Minister Rutthapol explained that there are three criminal cases: First, arrest warrants issued for Jim Leak and his wife plus 42 others, with 30 suspects detained. The case has been forwarded to special prosecutors, but Jim Leak and his wife remain at large while Interpol red notices have been issued. Second, the Ben Smith and his wife fraud case involving 900 million baht in investment fraud, with arrest warrants and Interpol coordination for follow-up. Third, the Anti-Money Laundering Committee (AMLO) filed complaints against five individuals including Jim Leak, Wirinnya Yim, Ben Smith, Katherine Beaver, and Suparat Sngamnueng on money laundering charges, currently gathering evidence.
Regarding asset seizure, AMLO ordered confiscation of property belonging to Jim Leak, his wife, Ben Smith, and his wife plus 68 other items totaling 120 billion baht in the first instance. The court ordered seizure of 34 items valued at 8.2 billion baht in the second instance. AMLO has completed seizure of 103 items totaling 200 billion baht, currently under review. Upon completion, announcements will be published for affected parties to file compensation claims.
The Justice Minister noted that action against Huione Pay is under the Police Department with three agencies cooperating. Given public interest in this case, it should proceed through a committee format for clearer progress monitoring. In the Huione Pay case, arrests followed a 75-year-old victim's report to police. Initially, 46 million baht in suspect assets were seized. Investigators recommended prosecution, with documents sent to prosecutors. The case is under criminal court consideration.
"The limitation in this case is that Cambodia is not [cooperating]..."
