Suspects may have leaked military secrets to smuggling syndicate, says MACC
The leaked information was believed to have allowed illicit activities in southern Malaysian waters to proceed without interference from security and enforcement agencies.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said investigators have linked four companies to the smuggling of prohibited goods, including drugs, cigarettes and other contraband.
'The number of syndicates involved is still under investigation. While the activities are suspected to have taken place domestically, we do not rule out the possibility of cross-border networks.
'Our probe is currently focused on suspects alleged to have received bribes from smugglers in exchange for military operational details along the nation's maritime borders,' he said when contacted on Friday (Aug 15).
Azam said that RM120,190 in cash was found when two premises associated with a suspect were raided on Aug 14.
"The total cash seized so far stands at RM183,390.
"Fake firearms and drugs were also seized and handed over to the police for further investigation, along with mobile phones belonging to the suspects," he added.
Authorities have frozen bank accounts belonging to 12 individuals, as well as 24 accounts linked to one company, amounting to RM155,609.77,' Azam said.
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