Ex-PTTEP executive in Rolls-Royce bribery case found in Indonesia

A former senior executive of PTT Exploration and Production Plc (PTTEP) wanted under an Interpol Red Notice in connection with a high-profile bribery case was arrested in Indonesia and is being returned to Thailand, according to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC)

Phaophadet Worabut, a former PTTEP executive, was expected to arrive on Thursday night following his arrest in Indonesia, said Nittiphan Prachuabmoh, secretary-general of the NACC.

The NACC had joined hands with Interpol and international anti-corruption agencies to achieve the arrest.

Mr Nittiphan said a team from the NACC, comprising officials from its International Obligations and Cooperation Bureau and Bureau of Investigation and Special Affairs, together with officers from the Royal Thai Police's Foreign Affairs Division, travelled to Indonesia to escort Mr Phaophadet back to Thailand.

The Rolls-Royce bribery case has been regarded as a major transnational corruption case linked to Thailand's energy sector.

The case began with a US Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation into Thailand's private sector before the NACC took up the probe and uncovered evidence linking the bribery scheme to Thai state officials.

The NACC subsequently found Mr Phaophadet guilty of misconduct. At the time of the alleged offences, he served as deputy executive vice-president for Thailand Offshore Assets (TOA) and deputy executive vice-president overseeing joint-venture projects.

The anti-graft agency found that he had abused his position to help Rolls-Royce Energy Systems secure a contract with PTTEP to supply feed gas turbine compressors for the Arthit offshore gas field project.

Mr Phaophadet was also accused of accepting bribes through an intermediary company totalling US$300,543, or more than 10 million baht at the time.

During the legal proceedings, Mr Phaophadet fled Thailand for Malaysia before travelling on to Indonesia, where he went into hiding. The NACC subsequently sought an Interpol Red Notice to facilitate his arrest.

The arrest resulted from intelligence-sharing and cooperation among the NACC, the Royal Thai Police's Foreign Affairs Division, Malaysia's anti-corruption agency (MACC), Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and Indonesian immigration authorities, said Mr Nittiphan.

The NACC will take Mr Phaophadet into custody and bring him before the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases to face legal proceedings.

The NACC's finding of wrongdoing is not final. Mr Phaophadet remains presumed innocent until a final court verdict is issued, said the NACC secretary-general.