RM11mil sukuk for MEX II spent on crypto, says MACC

Free Malaysia Today

5 hours ago

Construction of the 18km Maju Expressway Extension project began in 2016 and was due for completion in December 2019. (Bernama pic)
PUTRAJAYA : Some RM11 million in sukuk funds meant for the Maju Expressway Extension (MEX II) project was instead spent on cryptocurrency, which was then used to make certain purchases, says the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said the funds were believed to have been converted into cryptocurrency and used to make purchases, with investigations ongoing to determine the full extent of this.
'This is a new development. We found that RM11 million was used as digital currency, and it was not spent on the MEX II project.
'We are now trying to trace how the money was brought out and how it was used,' he said in a press conference at MACC's headquarters here.
Azam said MACC had recorded the statements of 55 witnesses and frozen 14 bank accounts with a total of RM156 million as part of its probe.
He added that more people would be called in for questioning.
'There will be no fewer than 10 more witnesses. I have directed my officers to complete the investigation paper within two months, although we may be able to wrap it up sooner,' he said.
Hundreds of millions in sukuk funds were suspected to have been channelled to a company owned by a corporate figure with a 'Tan Sri' title, and later misused for personal interests instead of the intended highway project.
The funds were allegedly transferred to multiple entities, including proxy companies and the personal account of the Tan Sri's wife, and used to acquire real estate, luxury vehicles and goods, as well as to fund gambling activities.
MACC has seized a luxury condominium and a plot of land valued at RM24.5 million, as well as nine vehicles valued at RM7.6 million in its probe.
It has also seized luxury watches valued at about RM25 million, designer handbags valued at RM3 million, jewellery and diamonds worth RM6 million, four horses valued at RM400,000, and premium alcoholic beverages worth RM3 million.
The anti-graft agency has already questioned the Tan Sri, whom Azam previously said was the main suspect in MACC's probe.
Today, the MACC chief said there was no current need for the corporate figure to be called in again.
'My officers are satisfied with the initial statements recorded. We are currently completing the investigation paper, and will be taking formal statements from the banks involved,' he said.
On previous reports that RM20 million in sukuk funds for the project had been spent on gambling, Azam said the actual amount was likely to be higher than that.
'It's more than RM20 million. I don't really understand the gambling aspect, but I was informed by my investigating officer that it involved casinos and such.'