공지 • Jan 17
CMO Public Company Limited Reports on Progress of the Company Dispute
CMO Public Company Limited reported that on December 13, 2023, the Company was sued by the public prosecutor for a criminal case to the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases. It appeared as a black case number between prosecutors at 213/2023--office of the Special Prosecutor for Anti-Corruption 1 Litigation, Plaintiff and CMO Public Company Limited, Defendant. The Company, as the defendant in the lawsuit, would like to clarify the facts and details that do not affect the case, which is disclosing information to investors and shareholders. The details are as follows: In 2011, the Cabinet passed a resolution approving Thailand's participation in the Universal Exhibition Milano 2015 in Milan, Italy. Between May 1 and October 31, 2015, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives was responsible for this project, setting a budget limit of THB 736,890,000. On November 8, 2013, the Special Procurement Committee jointly considered and selected the list of 10 companies and juristic persons to invite them to present the project. On November 2 1, 2 0 1 3, the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) received an allegation (Information card) about the Universal Exhibition Milano 2015 (EXPO MILANO 2015, ITALY). On November 29, 2013, two companies reported their intention to submit proposals. These include the Company and Joint Venture A. On December 1 6, 2 0 1 3, it is scheduled to submit the proposals, prices, and deposit collateral. On December 19-20, 2013, it was presentation day for both juristic persons. The Special Procurement Committee considered Joint Venture A to be the winner. On March 17, 2023, the NACC informed the Company of the allegations that the Company, through the authorized directors at that time, joined with Joint Venture A in bidding. For the benefit of the joint venture A, could entitled to enter into a contract with the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, by avoiding fair price competition. Later, in 2016, Mr. B, one of the founders of Joint Venture A, became a major shareholder of the Company, and on May 3, 2017, he became a director of the Company. On April 1 8, 2 0 2 3, the Company prepared an explanation to the NACC to clarify the allegations in every issue. The main issues are as follows: The Company bids honestly and has never engaged in any negotiations. The Company's senior management prepared an excellent presentation with details suitable for international events. On November 1 5, 2 0 2 3, the NACC assigned police officers to file charges against the investigators of the Nanlong Police Department to accuse four juristic persons and two individuals. Later, the investigator sent the file to the prosecutor, and on December 1 3, 2 0 2 3, the prosecutor ordered a lawsuit against the Company. On December 15, 2023, the public prosecutor ordered not to file charges against two juristic persons. As for another juristic person and two natural persons, the investigating officer could not bring them to file charges within the statute of limitations on December 16, 2023. All the acts and incidents involved government officials, the private sector, and many natural persons. But in the end, only the Company was to be prosecuted in court. The Company has hired lawyers with expertise in criminal cases in the Court of Criminal Justice, corruption, and misconduct. To defend the said offense for the Company during the incident since being accused by the NACC. The Company is confident that it did not act as accused in any way. Along with confidence in the justice system, the Company has explained in detail from the NACC level to the denial at the police level. Cooperate with prosecutors until the process reaches the court. The Company has prepared the facts of the case and various defenses. In the Board of Directors meeting No. 2/2024 on January 11, 2024, the Company invited lawyers who are experts in such cases to explain the details and provide opinions on issues in the litigation that were beneficial to the Company. The Company expected a high chance of winning the case and did not cause any damage to the Company. If there is any further progress, the Company will immediately notify SET upon further progress.