Highway graft probe: RM20mil of funds used for gambling, says MACC
PETALING JAYA: The ongoing probe of a Klang Valley highway project has found that around RM20mil in sukuk funds were used for gambling, says Tan Sri Azam Baki.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner told Malay daily Sinar Harian that graft busters also found 300 bottles of top-shelf liquor in a storeroom.
"Around 45 witnesses have had their statements recorded as of Sunday (June 1).
"The Tan Sri involved in the case is still being warded at a private hospital," he was quoted as saying on Monday (June 2).
Previously, the MACC seized or froze assets and bank accounts worth an estimated RM85.6mil while investigating the alleged misuse of sukuk funds linked to a Klang Valley highway project.
These include 14 individual accounts holding a total of RM4.5mil, eight company accounts containing RM33mil, luxury vehicles worth RM7.65mil, handbags worth RM3mil, luxury watches worth RM7mil, and properties worth RM24.5mil.
The probe centres on a concession holder with a "Tan Sri" title who is suspected of diverting project financing for personal use. Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
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Malay Mail
15 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
MACC says assets seized from ‘Tan Sri' in highway sukuk scandal now reach RM143m
KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has seized assets linked to the misuse of sukuk funds of the construction of a highway in Klang Valley believed to be owned by a highway concessionaire with a Tan Sri title totalling RM143 million during an operation conducted last week. Its chief commissioner, Tan Sri Azam Baki said the seizures include 14 individual accounts totalling RM4.5 million, eight company accounts totalling RM33 million, luxury condominium and land worth RM24.5 million, nine cars worth RM7.65 million, and 13 cars that have yet to be handed over to the investigation team. Other items seized include luxury watches worth RM25 million, handbags worth RM3 million, jewellery and diamonds (RM6 million), four horses (RM400,000), alcoholic beverages (RM3 million), foreign assets worth more than RM15 million and around RM20 million in gambling activities. 'Preliminary investigations revealed there was misconduct between 2016 and 2020 involving approved sukuk funds of about RM1.35 billion, involving false claims of about RM360 million and RM416 million and RM50 million in other bank facility loans. 'The RM1.67 billion highway project also failed to be completed according to schedule and investigations are focused on bribes worth RM12 million paid to certain parties as inducement in helping the cash flow out and back to the suspect,' he said in a statement last night, adding that the proceeds were also believed to have been used in money laundering activities. He explained that to embezzle the funds, the parties involved were believed to have used professionals such as auditors, financial experts, engineers and shell companies. 'Until now, the MACC has yet to take the Tan Sri's statement as he is in a private hospital ward and today the investigating officer will get confirmation from the doctor on the status of the Tan Sri's health before recording his statement. 'Meanwhile, the number of witness statements stands at 45, and those witnesses who have given their statements have been asked to provide further statements,' he said, adding that the investigating team is also tracking down luxury vehicles and properties belonging to the Tan Sri abroad, including in London and Switzerland. The investigation is focused on the true amount of luxury liquor kept by the Tan Sri and the possibility that funds have been transferred to other accounts, he said. He added that an asset declaration notice has been handed to the Tan Sri and other related parties. — Bernama


Malaysiakini
31 minutes ago
- Malaysiakini
Sukuk funds graft: Cars, horses, booze, diamonds, handbags seized
MACC has seized RM143 million in assets linked to the misuse of sukuk funds for the construction of a highway in Klang Valley, believed to be owned by a highway concessionaire with a Tan Sri title, during an operation conducted last week. Chief commissioner Azam Baki said the seizures include 14 individual accounts totalling RM4.5 million, eight company accounts totalling RM33 million, a luxury condominium and land worth RM24.5 million, nine cars worth RM7.65 million, and 13 cars that have yet to be handed over to the investigation team. Other items seized include luxury watches worth RM25 million...


Malaysiakini
32 minutes ago
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