DSI arrests executive of copper supply firm

CRIME TAX EVASION

DSI arrests executive of copper supply firm

THANIDA TANSUBHAPOL

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) yesterday arrested an executive of a copper supply firm in connection with a 1.4 billion baht tax evasion case. Tawatchai Suan-sida, director of the DSI's tax section, said Pairoj Chushinawatra, executive director of SCS Industry Co, was arrested by DSI investigators at the Royal Lakeside Golf Club in Samut Prakan.

Mr Pairoj faced a court warrant for allegedly evading tax worth more than 200 million baht.

Mr Tawatchai also linked Mr Pairoj to a case involving the Sai Fai Thai Industry Company, which was previously found to have avoided 1.4 billion baht in tax payments.

He said SCS Industry Co sold copper to the Sai Fai Thai Industry Company and the DSI found that the two firms collaborated in tax evasion.

On Dec 23 last year, the DSI arrested Mr Pairat, Mr Paisit and Mrs Orawan Chushinawatra _ all relatives of Mr Pairoj and executive directors of the Sai Fai Thai Industry Company.

Mr Tawatchai said at least 18 people were linked to the alleged scam.

He said the business transactions of the two firms involved more than 24 billion baht and the suspects allegedly avoided taxes worth a total of 1.4 billion baht.