MACC to forfeit RM177mil linked to Ismail Sabri probe [WATCH]

New Straits Times

9 hours ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Graftbusters are planning to forfeit the seized RM177 million in cash and assets linked to the probe into alleged corruption and money laundering involving former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the deputy public prosecutor (DPP) has agreed to file for the forfeiture of the assets within two weeks.
"Our investigators have made a number of suggestions to the DPP and one of it was on the forfeiture of the cash (and assets) which we displayed previously.
"On criminal charges, that depends on the DPP, but I think within a months time we will get a decision from the DPP on this," he told reporters today.
He said they requested the DPP to not take too long in making a decision as this case involved public interest.
"Jovian was called to facilitate further investigations in his capacity as a witness," he said referring to Datuk Jovian Mandagie, the former son-in-law of Ismail.
Azam said they have completed their probe into the case.
In March, MACC seized approximately RM170 million in cash, held in various international currencies, along with 16kg of gold bullion worth about RM7 million, following investigations into alleged corruption and money laundering involving former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
The commission confirmed that the operation involved raids at multiple locations, including residences and three other premises believed to be used as 'safehouses', following the arrest of four senior officers who served under Ismail Sabri during his tenure as prime minister.
The graftbusters also said it will summon at least 10 more witnesses as part of its ongoing investigation into the case.
It was reported that MACC denied claims that its officers travelled to Bali, Indonesia, to interview Jovian.
Azam said that the officers were in fact in Jakarta on official duty as part of an ongoing investigation.
Jovian, 39, a fashion designer, is the former son-in-law of Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Malaysia's ninth prime minister.
It was previously reported that MACC officers had spent two days in Jakarta recording Jovian's statement as part of the commission's investigation involving Ismail Sabri.
Sources said Jovian's testimony was crucial for verifying several documents relevant to the case.
He was reportedly interviewed in Jakarta, where he has resettled following the closure of his fashion business last year.
Azam said that the statement was taken in connection with the commission's probe into the former prime minister's asset ownership.
Ismail Sabri has been summoned several times by the MACC to assist in investigations into alleged corruption and money laundering, particularly in relation to the use of funds for the Keluarga Malaysia publicity campaign during his tenure from August 2021 to November 2022.
Azam previously said that the investigation began after Ismail Sabri was instructed to declare his assets under Section 36(1) of the MACC Act 2009.
The former prime minister submitted his asset declaration on Feb 10, and the MACC is currently analysing the source of the assets involved.