Xavier Andre Justo was arrested on the Thai island of Koh Samui on Jun 22. Police also seized computers and hard drives during the raid. However, they said the evidence obtained is part of an ongoing investigation and cannot be released.
"We can't reveal the details (from investigation) as it will affect many other people. But he (Xavier Justo) told us everything in his confession,” said Lieutenant General Prawut Thawornsiri, spokesperson for the Thai police. He added that Justo’s alleged clients were from the media, as well as media involved with politics.
Thai police said Justo has confessed to blackmailing his former employer PetroSaudi International by threatening to reveal confidential information. He is also alleged to have been part of a network that leaked information on PetroSaudi and Malaysia's state investment fund, 1 Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
1MDB is being investigated for alleged misappropriation and graft, after several leaked documents were released in the media. Thai police have confirmed they have evidence that the network's dealings took place in Thailand and Singapore.
"On this blackmail case, our investigation is almost completed. But the evidence that we found are linked to many countries,” said Lieutenant General Prawut.
However, the police stressed that they cannot share the information while the case is ongoing. They asked Malaysian authorities to contact the necessary diplomatic channels if they want assistance in the case. Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Malaysian officials have not yet contacted them on the matter- CNA/xq
By Arglit Boonyai
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