The Crime Suppression Division (CSD) has suspended an investigator following an allegation he demanded a bribe from an individual involved in the Magic Skin cosmetics scandal.
CSD commander Maitree Chimcherd said the officer in question is accused of demanding 15,000 baht from one of the victims in exchange for speeding up the investigation.
He said the CSD launched an inquiry and ordered a disciplinary investigation when it was alerted to the alleged misconduct.
Pol Maj Gen Maitree said action, which could include criminal prosecution, would be taken against the officer if there are grounds to the allegation.
According to the CSD chief, the victim reportedly transferred 5,000 baht to the accused officer and had chat records and audio clips implicating the officer.
He said the evidence will be examined to determine their authenticity
Pol Maj Gen Maitree also apologised on behalf of the CSD and promised the investigation would be transparent.
"I'd like to ask both the victims and suspects [in the Magic Skin case] not to pay any officers for assistance. The investigation is being handled by a working committee, so no individual can help," he said.
He said the Royal Thai Police set up the working committee to handle the investigation with the CSD acting as the core agency.
Magic Skin Co is accused of selling fake and sub-standard cosmetics and food supplements. He said the bribery allegation involved a victim connected to the firm's Apple Slim weight-loss product .
