Thai Officials Probe Chabad Funding After Bangkok Raids

Thai officials examine Chabad funding, 61 company registrationsLegacyThailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is examining donations of around 100 million baht annually to the Chabad Foundation of Thailand following raids at three Bangkok locations over suspected foreign nominee businesses and financial irregularities. The operation on October 8 involved multiple government agencies investigating possible violations of foreign business, land ownership and tax laws. Justice Minister Rutthapol Naowarat said officers obtained four search warrants as part of an investigation that began in Chon Buri in August. At the foundation’s premises in Phra Nakhon, investigators found that its registered office occupied a small room measuring approximately 2.5 by 3 metres. The same address was used to register five other companies. Officials reported finding no financial or management documents at the premises and were told the records had been transferred to another office in Bang Rak. Photo via Facebook/DSI At that location, inside the ITF Silom Palace building, investigators identified 61 registered companies, including approximately 50 associated with Israeli nationals. The DSI seized company registration documents, tax records and property transaction files. The Department of Business Development is separately examining 33 businesses involving Thai and foreign shareholders for possible nominee arrangements. DSI Financial Investigator Keerati Boonchoti said the Chabad Foundation received donations reaching approximately 100 million baht annually. Photo via Facebook/DSI Investigators have obtained information about donors and are tracing the origins and destinations of the funds. The Anti-Money Laundering Office is also examining whether any transactions involve proceeds from illegal activities. Officials have not established that the donations were unlawful. The searches also uncovered alleged immigration and employment violations. Immigration officers reported failures to register the stays of two Israeli nationals at the Chabad premises and two Lao nationals at the Jewish Association of Thailand. Labour inspectors also identified three Myanmar nationals and two Lao nationals allegedly working without the required permits. Legal proceedings were initiated against two employers. During the inspection, Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor explained that the foundation was established for religious activities and to support tourists visiting Thailand. Officials confirmed that Kantor legally obtained Thai citizenship approximately 12 years ago. Investigators are also examining the funding of an eight-storey Chabad House construction project in Bangkok and possible irregularities involving property ownership, including land in Phuket. Photo via Facebook/DSI Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwanchawee said the investigation was not directed at any particular nationality but focused on suspected legal violations. The DSI has not established whether those individuals are connected to the Chabad Foundation’s activities. Investigators are continuing to review the seized financial and corporate records before determining whether further legal action is warranted. In related news:

Krabi kosher restaurant raided for reopening under suspected nominee scheme Gan Chabad’s 4 billion baht network under scrutiny Chabad House Phuket financial checks find no irregularities

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