The Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) revealed that the special case prosecutor returned the organized crime and money laundering case file involving a senator to DSI for further investigation, and that they must wait for the Election Commission to assess the primary offense to consolidate the case files.
At 4:00 p.m. on 26 January 2026, at the Department of Special Investigation, Pol. Lt. Col. Yutthana Praedam, Director-General of DSI, spoke about the special case prosecutor sending a letter back to the DSI requesting further investigation in special case number 24/2568 concerning conspiracy in the offense of money laundering by individuals or groups committing organized crime under Section 209 of the Criminal Code and other related laws, namely the organized crime-money laundering case involving a senator.
Following the period in December 2025, the special investigation team, consisting of both DSI and prosecutor office members, jointly resolved to file charges for organized crime and related money laundering offenses linked to the acquisition of a Senate member (senator) against eight suspects. The case file was sent to the special case prosecutors for detailed review. However, the prosecutors considered the evidence insufficient to fully charge all eight suspects. I have been informed that the prosecutors sent the file back to DSI for further action, mainly because the primary offense has yet to be examined by the Election Commission (EC). Additionally, the prosecutors want the EC's case file to be consolidated with this one. We have already requested details from the EC, but they have not yet provided the information. Therefore, we need to schedule a meeting with the prosecutors and the investigation office to discuss this, so I cannot comment further until that meeting occurs.
When asked if the special case prosecutors' recommendation was for the DSI to conduct additional witness interviews but not to press charges on anyone else, Pol. Lt. Col. Yutthana confirmed this was correct. The prosecutors did not instruct filing charges against anyone further; they only noted that the main offense has yet to be reviewed by the EC. Since this involves both legal and factual matters, we must first hold a meeting with the prosecutors and the investigation office to proceed properly.
When asked about the EC's claim that the DSI sent evidence through the wrong channel under Section 49 of the Organic Act on the Election Commission, and that the EC refused to accept evidence from the DSI citing non-compliance with Section 24, the DSI Director-General explained that for all such issues, they will first discuss thoroughly with the prosecutors and the investigation office.
When questioned about whether the DSI has a timeframe for conducting additional witness interviews after the special case prosecutors returned the case file, the Director-General said they would first hold a meeting with the prosecutors and aim to do so as soon as possible.
Asked if this means the DSI investigated the organized crime-money laundering case involving the senator before the primary case had appeared, the Director-General explained that the primary offense is believed to have already occurred, so the money laundering case can proceed under the law. However, the prosecutors want the EC to first review this matter to make the case more complete.
When asked if the DSI must wait until the EC completes its review, the Director-General emphasized that they must first finish their meeting with the prosecutors and the investigation office.
Regarding whether this process will take long, given that the 67th Senate has been in office for some time, Pol. Lt. Col. Yutthana said investigations need to be conducted swiftly, continuously, and fairly to ensure justice. Whether it takes longer or shorter depends on the circumstances and evidence in each case.