3 Penang bungalows, penthouse and land seized in scrap metal probe
PETALING JAYA : The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has seized assets estimated to be worth over RM183 million following raids on suspected scrap metal smuggling syndicates in five states since yesterday.
An MACC source said its special operations division, in collaboration with the customs department, Inland Revenue Board and Bank Negara Malaysia, also froze 45 company accounts and 82 personal bank accounts involving a total value of about RM51 million.
The seized assets include eight properties in Penang: three bungalows in Batu Maung, a penthouse in Tanjung Tokong, a shoplot in Bayan Lepas, 31 acres of land in Nibong Tebal, 7.1 acres in Batu Uban, 5.6 acres in Juru, as well as more than 1,960 acres of oil palm plantation land in Kuala Krai, Kelantan.
'MACC also seized six luxury vehicles comprising a Porsche Cayenne, Range Rover, BMW, Volvo, Toyota Land Cruiser, and Toyota Alphard – altogether valued at over RM1.9 million,' said the source, according to Bernama.
'MACC confiscated five branded watches, namely a Patek Philippe, Tag Heuer, Rolex, Omega Speedmaster and Omega Seamaster, valued at more than RM740,000.'
It is understood that most of the seized assets, luxury vehicles and branded watches belong to a foreigner who owns a scrap metal company and resides in an upscale neighbourhood in Batu Maung, which was raided during Op Metal yesterday.
The individual, who holds a 'Datuk' title, was not at home during the raid, and is believed to be abroad on business. He is expected to return tomorrow.
MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki confirmed the freezing of the bank accounts as well as the seizure of the properties, luxury vehicles and branded watches.
He said MACC also conducted further raids today at 13 new locations in Penang, Kedah, Johor and the Klang Valley.
'MACC is now identifying people who colluded with the syndicates that smuggled out scrap metal and e-waste through Port Klang and Penang Port, causing an estimated RM950 million in lost tax revenue over the past six years.
'The focus of the investigation is on offences under Sections 16 and 18 of the MACC Act 2009. It also involves analysis and identification of other criminal elements under money laundering offences, as well as investigations under the Income Tax Act 1967 and the Customs Act 1967 by other participating agencies,' he said.
Earlier, Bernama reported that MACC raided suspected scrap metal smuggling syndicates in five states believed to have bribed enforcement officers, resulting in the government losing hundreds of millions in export tax revenue.
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