Two key suspects in the alleged super car tax evasion scam yesterday surrendered to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), but denied any wrongdoing.
Naruenart Kwansawas, alias Sia Boy, and Thanant Kwansawas turn themselves in at the Department of Special Investigation yesterday. The DSI believes they own the six luxury cars being transported in Nakhon Ratchasima on May 29, when four were damaged by fire. APICHIT JINAKUL
Naruenart Kwansawas, alias Sia Boy, and Thanant Kwansawas face four charges relating to the alleged scam.
They are smuggling cars that have not passed customs; falsely declaring a vehicle type with the intention to avoid paying proper tax; concealing and selling the cars illegally; and transporting cars without permission.
Mr Naruenart and Mr Thanant were registered as the owners of six luxury cars which were on a transporter that caught fire in Nakhon Ratchasima on May 29.
The men were accompanied by lawyers when they reported to DSI investigators yesterday.
After questioning the suspects, Korawach Panpraphakorn, director of the DSI's regional office for special operations, said investigators were confident they had sufficient evidence to bring criminal charges against them.
The suspects were released on 2-million-baht bail and said they would submit more documents to defend themselves against the allegations on June 28, Pol Lt Col Korawach said.
DSI investigators do not want the documents from the pair, however, because they already have enough evidence to prosecute them, the director said.
Pol Lt Col Korawach said the suspects were captured on a coffee shop security camera near the spot where the transporter caught fire shortly after the incident.
He added authorities had more evidence and witness accounts to prove the two were the owners of the six cars.
Mr Naruenart and Mr Thanant told investigators they ran a real estate business and had nothing to do with Angoon Juengsaengmanee, the owner of the transporter used to carry the cars, or Nathee Riewthong, the transporter driver.