Jump to content

The iCon Group case

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
ICON EVOLUTION EXPO on December 19, 2023

The iCon Group case involves allegations against The iCon Group Company Limited of defrauding the public by enticing them to invest, but ultimately failing to fulfill their promises. This issue was first brought to public attention by Kanchai Kamnerdploy [th], a news anchor for Channel 3 HD, in early October 2024. As of October 18, 2024, more than 2,170 victims have filed complaints, with total damages exceeding 841 million baht.[1][2][3]

The case is linked to several top Thai actors and celebrities. On October 16, 2024, a court issued arrest warrants for 18 suspects involved in this case, and all of them were apprehended on the same day. Among the arrested individuals were Yuranunt Pamornmontri, Pechaya Wattanamontree, and Kan Kantathavorn.[4] All three had their lawyers file for temporary release on bail, but the criminal court denied the requests. Furthermore, the court also refused to grant bail to the remaining defendants in this case. Following the incident, several businesses have issued statements clarifying that they are not affiliated with the iCON Group. Additionally, the Consumer Protection Board [th] is considering revoking the awards previously given to the company. However, television dramas featuring the defendants in this case will continue to air as scheduled.[3] The Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) has seized assets valued at approximately 125 million baht from the iCon Group.[5]

Background

[edit]

The iCON Group Co., Ltd., founded by Waratphol Waratvorakul, was incorporated on June 1, 2018, with a registered capital of 1 million baht. Headquartered in Ram Inthra, the company specializes in the distribution of health and beauty products. Within its first five years of operation, iCON Group achieved a remarkable turnover of over 10 billion baht, with an astonishing 50% of this revenue generated in 2021 alone.[6]

To achieve such rapid growth, iCON Group employed a multi-faceted sales strategy. This included a direct selling model, where products were distributed through a network of independent distributors who did not need to hold inventory. The company also provided comprehensive online sales training for distributors and interested individuals. Moreover, iCON Group strategically leveraged celebrities and influencers to endorse its products and enhance brand recognition.[6]

Incident

[edit]

On October 7, 2024, Kanchai Kamnerdploy reported on a news program about a well-known multi-level marketing company that had enlisted prominent Thai celebrities to promote investment opportunities. The company allegedly lured people into investing but failed to deliver on their promises. According to Kanchai, this scheme has been ongoing since October 5.[7]

Kanchai had spoken with victims of the scam and gathered information about the company's practices. On October 8, he posted a message on social media stating that the company had begun threatening individuals and was prioritizing the protection of its celebrity endorsers over the victims. Following Kanchai's reports, more victims came forward to share their experiences with the fraudulent scheme. One notable victim was Christopher Benjakul, a former actor who had been involved in the accident.[8][9]

The iCon Group founder initially denied these claims, stating that the company had always operated ethically. However, under public pressure, he later admitted to wrongdoing, apologized to the victims, and pledged to take full responsibility. He also announced that The iCon Group would no longer recruit new distributors.[10]

Aftermath

[edit]

On October 9, Sam Yuranant, the research director, denied any involvement in the company's operations, stating that Voratpol was the sole director. However, he expressed willingness to cooperate with law enforcement.[11]

While the Consumer Protection Board planned to summon the celebrities involved for questioning, The iCon Group issued a statement on October 10, claiming that the three were not authorized signatories or shareholders.[12]

On October 11, Pakorn Chatborirak, a presenter for The iCon Group, clarified his role, stating that he was merely a spokesperson and not involved in the company's management.[13][14]

On the same day, Pechaya Wattanamontree announced the termination of all her contracts with The iCon Group, stating that she "chose to stand with the people".[15]

On October 12, Kan Kantathavorn, a marketing director and TV host, announced a temporary suspension of his hosting duties on October 10 in light of the allegations.[16]

Investigation and arrest

[edit]

Following the exposé of The iCon Group's fraudulent investment scheme, Thai authorities launched a comprehensive investigation. On October 9, the Royal Thai Police Commissioner Kittirat Panpetch [th] assigned Police Lieutenant General Akkaradech Pimolsri to oversee the case and ordered the Consumer Protection Division to establish a complaint center for victims. Within days, the police announced their intention to seek arrest warrants for key figures involved in the scam, citing violations of the Emergency Decree on the Borrowing of Money to Defraud the Public and money laundering laws.[17]

On October 15, Navy Lieutenant Colonel Thanakrit Jitariyarat, Deputy Minister of Public Health, along with Air Chief Marshal Dr. Itthiphol Kanacharoen, Secretary-General of the Medical Council, and Dr. Phanuwatt Pankaet, Director-General of the Department of Health Service Support, filed a complaint with the Consumer Protection Division (CPD) to take legal action against Thananon Hiranyachaiworn, also known as "Doctor Ek," a medical professional associated with The iCon Group, after the Medical Council confirmed that there was no record of him in the medical system.[18]

On October 16, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) presented evidence to the Criminal Court and secured arrest warrants for all 18 suspects involved in the iCon Group case. The suspects were charged with fraud under the Criminal Code and for inputting false information into a computer system in violation of the amended Computer Crime Act B.E. 2550 (2007).[19] The court approved all 18 arrest warrants, and later that day, the DSI apprehended Waratphol while he was giving a statement at the Consumer Protection Board (CPB). All 18 suspects were arrested that same day.[20]

On the same day, Thai authorities seized a 63-rai plot of land owned by The iCon Group, located in Pathum Thani Province, valued at over 1 billion baht. This land was intended for a mixed-use development project called "The iCon City".[21]

The seizure is part of an ongoing investigation into the company's fraudulent activities. Authorities suspect that The iCon Group used the land purchase to launder money obtained through its investment scams. Additionally, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) confiscated various assets belonging to the suspects involved in the case, including luxury vehicles, cash, electronics, branded goods, and jewelry, with a total estimated value exceeding 100 million baht.[22]

Phra Methee Wachirodom

[edit]

A scandal erupted in Thailand involving a prominent Buddhist monk, Phra Methee Wachirodom [th], and his alleged ties to The iCon Group.[23] On October 11, a video surfaced showing the monk preaching to executives of The iCon Group. Despite initial claims of innocence, Phra Methee Wachirodom later admitted to receiving regular donations from the company and providing sermons. The allegations against the monk deepened when lawyer Decha Kittivitayanun published evidence of a donation of 1 million baht from The iCon Group to Phra Methee Wachirodom.[24]

In response to the growing public outcry, Amnuayporn Maneewan filed a complaint against Phra Methee Wachirodom, accusing him of aiding and abetting fraud. While the government refrained from direct intervention, the matter was referred to the Supreme Sangha Council, the highest religious authority in Thailand. Some argue that Phra Methee Wachirodom's actions may not constitute a criminal offense, drawing parallels to celebrities who endorse products without being directly involved in a company's operations.[25][26]

Response

[edit]

The Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) faced criticism after it was revealed that they had previously awarded a trophy to The iCon Group. Following the company's involvement in a significant investment scam, the OCPB came under pressure to take action. On October 10, Jiraporn Sindhuprai, the OCPB Chairperson and Minister Attached to the Prime Minister's Office, ordered the agency to investigate the allegations and accept complaints from victims. She directed the OCPB to work with other government agencies, including the Department of Special Investigation, the Anti-Money Laundering Commission, and the Royal Thai Police, to carry out a thorough investigation. If The iCon Group is found guilty of any misconduct, the OCPB has committed to revoking the trophy that was previously awarded.[27]

On October 10, the Direct Selling Association of Thailand issued a statement clarifying that the iCon Group is not a member of the association. The statement also provided a detailed explanation of the nine characteristics of legitimate direct selling businesses.[28]

On October 16, Iconsiam issued a statement clarifying that they have no affiliation with the iCon Group.[29]

On the same day, Workpoint Entertainment announced the termination of its contract with Kan Kantathavorn.[30]

On October 17, Channel 7HD released a statement stating that a former executive of the channel who was involved in the iCon Group had resigned on December 10, 2022. The company emphasized that this was a personal matter and has no connection to Channel 7HD.[31]

On the same day, Takonkiet Viravan, CEO of The One Enterprise [th] (ONEE) and director of Channel One 31, announced that the airing of the drama series Game Rak Patihan would continue, despite the involvement of Min Pechaya and Sam Yuranunt in the controversy. He explained that this decision was made to prevent negatively impacting others involved in the production and because he believes viewers can differentiate between the drama and the actors' real lives.[32]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "คดีดิไอคอนฯ ผู้เสียหายพุ่ง 2,170 คน เสียหายแล้ว 841 ล้านบาท" [The iCon case has 2,170 victims, with damages of 841 million baht]. สำนักข่าวอิศรา (in Thai). 19 October 2024.
  2. ^ "Over 2,000 The iCon Group complaints reported damages worth B841m". Bangkok Post.
  3. ^ a b "The iCON Group scandal points to deeper problems in various Thai sectors". nationthailand. 17 October 2024.
  4. ^ "17 iCon fraud suspects sent to jail". Bangkok Post.
  5. ^ "Assets seized as iCon probe expands". Bangkok Post.
  6. ^ a b "บอสพอล: 5 คำถาม ที่ยังไร้คำตอบ จากกรณี "ดิ ไอคอน กรุ๊ป"". BBC News ไทย (in Thai). 15 October 2024.
  7. ^ "สรุปไทม์ไลน์ ที่มาที่ไป "ธุรกิจขายตรง" มีชื่อดาราดังเอี่ยว สั่นสะเทือนวงการบันเทิง". www.thairath.co.th (in Thai). 10 October 2024.
  8. ^ "เงินก้อนสุดท้าย! 'คริสโตเฟอร์'โดนชักชวนลงทุนขายตรง สุดท้ายล้มไม่เป็นท่าท้อจนคิดสั้น" [Last lump sum! 'Christopher' was invited to invest in direct selling, but ended up failing miserably and becoming discouraged to the point of having suicidal thoughts.]. ผู้ดูแลเว็บไซต์ (in Thai).
  9. ^ "หนุ่ม จ่อแฉ! บ.ขายตรง ใช้ดาราตัวท็อปร่วมงาน ชักชวน-ขายฝัน มีคนร้องเรียบเพียบ" [Young man ready to expose! Direct selling company uses top stars to work together, recruits and sells dreams, many people have complained]. Khaosod (in Thai).
  10. ^ "บอสพอลประกาศ ต่อจากนี้ไม่รับตัวแทนจำหน่ายเพิ่ม ด้านผู้เสียหายบอก ตัดสินใจลงทุนเพราะดารา ถูกแม่ข่ายชวนซื้อแอดโฆษณา" [Boss Paul announced that from now on, he will not accept any more distributors. The victim said that he decided to invest because the celebrity was invited by the network to buy advertising ads.]. THE STANDARD (in Thai). 15 October 2024.
  11. ^ ""แซม" ยืนยันไม่ได้เป็น "กรรมการ" ขายอาหารเสริม พร้อมให้ข้อมูลตำรวจ" ["Sam" confirms he is not a "committee member" selling dietary supplements and provides information to the police.]. Thai PBS (in Thai).
  12. ^ "สคบ. จ่อเรียก 3 ดาราดัง บอส The iCon Group ให้ข้อมูลสัปดาห์หน้า" [Consumer Protection Board to summon 3 famous stars, boss of The iCon Group to provide information next week]. pptvhd36.com (in Thai). 10 October 2024.
  13. ^ ""บอย - โดม" โล่งอก The iCon Group ชี้แจงแทนแล้ว" ["Boy - Dome" relieved, The iCon Group has already explained on their behalf.]. www.komchadluek.net (in Thai). 10 October 2024.
  14. ^ "บอย ปกรณ์ ยันไม่ใช่ บอส พร้อมหัก ดิไอคอน ยกเลิกสัญญา คืนเงินค่าจ้าง" [Boy Pakorn insists he is not Boss and is ready to break with The iCon, cancel the contract, and return the salary.]. AMARIN TV (in Thai). 11 October 2024.
  15. ^ "มิน พีชญา แถลงยันเป็น บอส แค่คำใช้เรียก ทำหน้าที่พีอาร์-ได้เงินเท่าพรีเซ็นเตอร์" [Min Pechaya confirms that being Boss is just a term used to call her, acting as a PR and earning the same amount of money as a presenter.]. kapook.com (in Thai). 11 October 2024.
  16. ^ "กันต์ กันตถาวร ยกเลิกสัญญา ดิไอคอนกรุ๊ป เผยเหตุเรียกบอส ยันไม่ได้ถือหุ้น" [Kant Kantathaworn cancels contract with The Icon Group, reveals reason for calling him Boss, insists he does not hold shares]. Khaosod (in Thai).
  17. ^ "จ่อออกหมายจับ บิ๊กบอส ดิไอคอนกรุ๊ป เตรียมดำเนินคดีผู้เกี่ยวข้องทั้งหมด" [Arrest warrant issued for big boss of The iCon Group, preparing to prosecute all related persons]. Khaosod (in Thai).
  18. ^ "แจ้งความเอาผิด "บอสหมอเอก" ดิไอคอนฯ เพิ่ม ข้อหาเปิดสถานพยาบาล". www.thairath.co.th (in Thai). 15 October 2024.
  19. ^ "ตำรวจออกหมายจับ 18 บอส "ดิไอคอนกรุ๊ป" รวม "บอสดารา" กันต์-แซม-มิน". www.thairath.co.th (in Thai). 16 October 2024.
  20. ^ "จับครบแล้ว 18 ผู้ต้องหาเครือดิไอคอน คนสุดท้ายรวบได้เวลา 21.10 น". Matichon (in Thai).
  21. ^ "อายัดแล้ว ที่ดิน 63 ไร่ The Icon City ของดิไอคอนกรุ๊ป เข้าข่ายฟอกเงิน-ฉ้อโกง". thansettakij (in Thai). 16 October 2024.
  22. ^ "อายัดรถหรู โรลส์รอยซ์-เบนท์ลีย์ ผู้ต้องหา ดิไอคอนกรุ๊ป กว่า 100 ล้านบาท". Matichon (in Thai).
  23. ^ "เปิดคลิป "ท่าน ว.วชิรเมธี" อวยหนัก "อยากรวยต้องดิ ไอคอนแล้ว" (ชมคลิป)". mgronline.com (in Thai). 11 October 2024.
  24. ^ Songsawange, Panupong. "'ทนายเดชา' จ่อร้องสอบ 'ว.วชิรเมธี' หลังภาพรับเงินล้าน คลิปเชียร์ 'ดิไอคอน' ว่อนเน็ต" ['Lawyer Decha' is about to file a complaint to investigate 'V. Vajiramedhi' after pictures of receiving a million baht, clips cheering for 'The iCon' are spreading online.]. เดลินิวส์ (in Thai).
  25. ^ ""ชูศักดิ์" โยนคณะสงฆ์กำกับดูแลกันเอง กรณีคลิป "ว.วชิรเมธี"" ["Chusak" throws the Sangha to self-supervise in the case of the "V. Vajiramedhi" clip.]. สำนักข่าวไทย อสมท. 18 October 2024.
  26. ^ "'ทนายนิด้า' ร่ายยาวหลังทัวร์ลง เหตุชี้ 'พระ ว.' เทศน์ดิไอคอน ไม่เข้าข่ายผิดกฎหมาย" ['Lawyer Nida' writes a long post after being attacked by a tour group, because 'Phra W.s sermon on The iCon does not fall under the law.]. mgronline.com (in Thai). 18 October 2024.
  27. ^ "จิราพรเตรียมหารือ DSI-ปปง.-ตร. ตรวจสอบ ดิไอคอนกรุ๊ป กำชับ สคบ" [Jiraporn prepares to discuss with DSI-AMLO-Police to investigate The iCon Group, urges the Consumer Protection Board.]. THE STANDARD (in Thai). 10 October 2024.
  28. ^ "สมาคมขายตรงฯ ฟาด แบรนด์ดังที่เป็นข่าว ไม่เป็นธุรกิจขายตรง!" [Direct Selling Association slams famous brands in the news, saying they are not direct selling businesses!]. thansettakij (in Thai). 10 October 2024.
  29. ^ "ไอคอนสยาม ออกแถลงการณ์ ยันไม่มีความเกี่ยวข้อง 'ดิไอคอน กรุ๊ป' วอนอย่าพาดพิง หวั่นสาธารณชนสับสน" [ICONSIAM issues a statement, confirming that it has no connection with 'The iCon Group', and urges people not to mention it, fearing that the public will be confused.]. Matichon (in Thai).
  30. ^ "เวิร์คพอยท์ฯฉีกสัญญา กันต์ กันตถาวร หลังเป็นผู้ต้องหา คดี "ดิไอคอนกรุ๊ป"" [Workpoint Entertainment terminates contract with Kant Kantathaworn after being accused in "The Icon Group" case]. Prachachat (in Thai).
  31. ^ "ช่อง 7HD ร่อนจดหมายชี้แจง ข่าวลือหนึ่งในผู้บริหารเป็นแม่ข่าย ดิ ไอคอน บุคคลดังกล่าวไม่เกี่ยวข้องกับสถานีแล้ว" [Channel 7HD issues a letter clarifying rumors that one of its executives is the host of The Icon. The said person is no longer associated with the station]. Khaosod (in Thai).
  32. ^ "บอย ถกลเกียรติ ตอบแล้ว 'เกมรักปาฏิหาริย์' ถูกถอดมั้ย? หลัง 2 'มิน-แซม' เป็นผู้ต้องหาคดี ดิไอคอน" [Boy Takonkiet has answered whether 'Game Rak Patiharn' will be removed after 2 'Min-Sam' are suspects in The Icon case]. Khaosod (in Thai).