Over 2,000 The iCon Group complaints reported, damages worth B841m

More than 2,000 people have filed complaints with police against The iCon Group, a prominent online business promoter, for allegedly running a pyramid scheme that has caused combined losses of 841 million baht.
Pol Maj Gen Sophon Saraphat, deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), reported on Friday that a total of 2,170 complaints have been lodged, amounting to the stated damages.
In response, national police chief Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet has instructed police units nationwide to set up complaint centres modelled after the CIB, ensuring that all alleged victims can report their grievances.
Pol Maj Gen Sophon said that all police units must accept complaints; failure to do so will result in disciplinary action against those agencies.
Authorities have already seized 24 luxury cars, 7.5 million baht in cash, 51 watches, and numerous brand-name bags and products from suspects linked to The iCon Group fraud case, with the total value of seized assets reaching approximately 210 million baht. Some suspects who transferred assets to others could face additional charges for money laundering.
When asked about the issuance of arrest warrants for additional suspects, Pol Maj Gen Sophon said that no individuals, including celebrities or monks, would be exempt if found involved in the offences.
Currently, 18 suspects, including Waranthaphon “Boss Paul” Wratyaworrakul, founder and CEO of The iCon Group, have been arrested on charges of public fraud and falsifying information in a computer system. All suspects are currently in custody.
Mr Warnthaphon, 41, appeared stressed as he was escorted from the CIB to the court on Ratchadaphisek Road at 9.15am.
Police opposed bail, citing collusion with other suspects and the systematic nature of their offences, which have impacted society and involved numerous victims. He may pose a flight risk if released temporarily, according to officers.
After examining the police’s request and Mr Warathaphon’s testimony, the court granted the detention request. The suspect did not seek bail and was taken to the Bangkok Remand Prison at 11.45am.
Mr Warathaphon was among 18 suspects wanted on charges of colluding in public fraud and inputting false information into a computer system. All denied the allegations.
Seventeen suspects were sent to court on Thursday. All were taken to jail after the court rejected bail requests submitted by three high-profile celebrities, citing flight risk, while the others did not apply for release. The three celebrities are actor Yuranunt “Boss Sam” Pamornmontri, actress Pechaya “Boss Min” Wattanamontree and television host Kan “Boss Kan” Kantathavorn.
The suspects, referred to as “bosses” within the iCon Group’s marketing hierarchy, were apprehended on Wednesday following over 1,000 fraud complaints. Victims reported that the company lured them with online marketing courses costing less than 100 baht and pressured them into further financial commitments, resulting in substantial losses.
Pol Maj Gen Suwat Saengnum, the CIB deputy commissioner, said Mr Warathaphon wanted to give additional statements concerning his business. Investigators completed their questioning around 8pm on Thursday before he was taken to court the following morning.
Regarding public scepticism about the firm, Pol Maj Gen Suwat said investigators needed time to work on the case and would collaborate with relevant agencies, promising justice for all involved.
Withoon Keng-ngarm, Mr Warathaphon’s attorney, said on Friday that he would not pursue bail after other suspects were denied release. The lawyer visited his client at the CIB office before court proceedings.
During questioning, Mr Warathaphon insisted that his company operated legally. His lawyer said that all involved were innocent.
On Thursday, Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat Pankaew, deputy commissioner of the CIB, had questioned Mr Warathaphon about an audio clip featuring a conversation between two men.
The company’s CEO admitted the audio clip that went viral on social media was his own voice. However, he insisted he had never paid bribe money to any state agencies as alleged.
His lawyer also refuted claims made by Ekkapop Luangprasert, an advisor to the interior minister, regarding asset conversion into cryptocurrency for bribes.
Mr Withoon said the company’s turnover was 10 billion baht, making it impossible for that amount to have been used for bribes. He verified Mr Ekkapop’s claims and found that the person mentioned by the minister’s advisor had no connection to The iCon Group.
He warned Mr Ekkapop that he could face charges for making false allegations.