The number of people allegedly duped in the Daruma Sushi scam is expected to hit 10,000 while total damages could exceed 100 million baht, Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), said on Tuesday.
The CIB said cases connected to the scam are being compiled and complaints have been filed with different authorities against the restaurant chain owner. The cases will be forwarded to the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD), he said.
After the CPPD receives the cases, it will seek an arrest warrant for Metha Chalingsuk, the franchiser of the Daruma Sushi Japanese buffet restaurant chain, who reportedly fled the country on June 16, said Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop.
The suspect travelled alone and was believed to be heading for Dubai. However, it remained unclear if he made an onward journey to another destination, he said.
"It's believed [Mr Metha] set out to deceive people from the beginning. And while police have managed to confiscate tens of thousands of baht from the business, the actual damages [from the scam] could hit 100 million baht," the policeman said.
At this point, the suspect could face fraud charges, while investigators were trying to find out where all the money has ended up.
In the event it was siphoned off to various bank accounts, the suspect may also be charged with money laundering, Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop said.
So far only one account is known to have been used for the money the suspect received from franchisees, as well as those who purchased vouchers for the buffet supposedly discounted from 499 to 199 baht in bulk purchases, he said.
The Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) is working with the police and the Department of Special Investigation to reach out to possible victims, said Prime Minister's Office Minister Anucha Nakasai, who supervises the OCPB.
Courts of Justice spokesman Sorawit Limparangsri recommended that victims lodge a civil suit against the owner of Daruma Sushi and demand compensation while police continued investigating the criminal cases.
Civil suits can be filed online, as can class-action lawsuits, he said.
Daruma Sushi employed about 400 Thai nationals and migrant workers, who will need help pursuing compensation for losing their jobs, said Kanjana Poolkaew, deputy director-general of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare.
They are advised to submit formal claims at local department offices and can file a request for financial assistance from the employee welfare fund.
