BY Alex Eliseev

One of the men arrested in connection with a Thai rhino horn smuggling syndicate might be moved to a separate jail, ahead of his bail application, fueling speculation that plea bargains could be struck in the case.

Tool Sriton appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Thursday but will now only launch his bail application in May.

The syndicate was allegedly headed by a man known as Chumlong Lemtongthai.

The men are accused of using prostitutes to pose as trophy hunters.

State prosecutor Allan Simpson asked the court not to put Sriton in the same prison as his co-accused.

This is not the first time the accused have been split up, suggesting there may be a plan to help the state convict more senior members of the syndicate.

Sriton was due to apply for bail on Thursday but a change of lawyer means he will now have to wait until 18 May.

The trial of all four men is due to begin in June.

(Edited by Clare Matthes)