More than 100 immigration officers are suspected of involvement in the illegal issuing of visas for Chinese investors in so-called grey businesses, the Immigration Bureau (IB) said yesterday.
The IB commisioner said they would be charged with malfeasance and demanding and taking benefits in return for illegal services.
Among the 110 police suspects, there are three police generals and a mix of officers of every rank.
The 110 IB officers were reported to have committed criminal conspiracy by setting up firms that process visa applications for foreigners, especially for Chinese nationals who travel to Thailand with a tourist visa but go on to get non-immigration visas without meeting the necessary business or volunteer criteria, the commissioner said.
Police said these policemen had forged signatures of provincial governors and allowed photo identification for visa applicants during the pandemic even though the law requires applicants to report in person.
According to the investigation, most cases have been found in the northern and northeastern regions. The crimes had been ongoing from mid-2020 to 2022.
Many applicants submitted documents regarding their stay issued by language schools or volunteer foundations as a ploy to extend their visa.
