Cyril Payen

Thailand widens probe into chief rabbi’s relatives and 19 linked companies Thai authorities are expanding investigations into relatives of Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor and 19 companies linked to him following the revocation of his Thai citizenship, Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee said. The Department of Provincial Administration is examining descendants and relatives who acquired Thai citizenship following Kantor to determine whether they also committed offences. Polapee said any action would depend on evidence of wrongdoing. Authorities have accused Kantor of continuing to use his American nationality after naturalization. Investigators are also reviewing the companies’ shareholdings, land acquisitions and possible stakes in other businesses. Polapee said the Department of Special Investigation, Department of Lands and Department of Business Development were coordinating the inquiry into suspected nominee arrangements used to bypass foreign-ownership restrictions. Polapee warned that violations could lead to asset seizures, freezes and compulsory land sales. Officials would examine when each plot was acquired and whether its ownership breached Thai law. He did not announce findings of wrongdoing against the relatives or the 19 companies. The expanded inquiry follows Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s October 28 order revoking Kantor’s citizenship. Kantor, Thailand’s chief rabbi and head of Chabad of Thailand, has also faced scrutiny as part of a wider crackdown on suspected nominee businesses. #Thailand #Chabad