BANGKOK, Aug 17 — Former PetroSaudi International (PSI) executive Andre Xavier Justo who had allegedly blackmailed his former employer with data he had stolen when he left in 2011, is set to record his plea in the South Bangkok Criminal Court today.
A lawyer, familiar with the case, said though it had been reported that Justo had signed a confession when he was interrogated by Thai police, he would still need to have his plea recorded in court.
He said Justo’s confession was not considered a plea and therefore, the 48-year-old could still go either way when he faces the judge.
“The sentencing is unlikely to be delivered on the same day,” said the source when contacted.
Thai police spokesman Lt-General Prawut Thavornsiri though tight-lipped about the case, said Justo had confessed his wrong doings during police interrogation.
“I can’t say anything more,” he said when met at a hotel.
Justo’s was arrested by Thai police on June 22 in his house in Koh Samui for alleged blackmail.
The Swiss national is believed to be the source of leaked documents on PSI’s US$1.2 billion (RM4.5 billion) joint venture with 1Malaysia Development Berhad that fell through in 2009.
In his confession to the authorities, Justo had also named individuals who offered to buy the stolen data from him so that it could be used in a plot to topple Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
It is learned Marc Henzelon, the lawyer engaged by Justo’s wife in Switzerland, will not be representing him today.
He would be represented by counsel Pranot Kalanuson.
