Latest news with #Anti-TerrorismFinancingandProceedsofUnlawfulActivitiesAct
New Straits Times
24-07-2025
- New Straits Times
Laundering RM700k: Immigration officer charged with transferring money to mum
KUALA LUMPUR: A senior deputy assistant director with the Immigration Department was today slapped with another money laundering charge involving RM718,710 at the Sessions Court, bringing the total number of charges against him to six. Nas Suffian Nasrun, 41, had earlier claimed trial on Tuesday at the Shah Alam Sessions Court to five similar charges involving RM933,295 allegedly committed between 2022 and last year. He is accused of being involved in online transactions transferring illicit funds from a special pass agent's bank account into his own. He also allegedly received and redirected money through multiple transactions into accounts belonging to an accomplice — also an immigration officer — his mother, and a company. Appearing before Judge Rosli Ahmad in a black shirt, Nas Suffian appeared composed as he pleaded not guilty after the charge was read out. "I understand (the charge). I plead not guilty," he said, as his father and sister looked on from the public gallery. He is alleged to have conducted 64 online transactions involving RM718,710 — proceeds from unlawful activities — transferring the funds into a company account at a bank in Pandan Indah between July 26, 2022 and June 9, 2023. The charge is framed under Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act. Upon conviction, it carries a prison sentence of up to 15 years and a fine of no less than five times the value of the illicit proceeds or RM5 million — whichever is higher. Deputy public prosecutor Aznika Mohd Anas requested bail be set at RM300,000 with one surety. She informed the court that the Shah Alam Sessions Court had previously granted RM100,000 bail, impounded Nas Suffian's passport, and required him to report monthly to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). "I request that a separate bail be imposed in this court, with the same conditions applied," she said, also applying for the case to be transferred to Shah Alam as it involved the same witnesses. Defence lawyer Muhammad Zaim Rosli appealed for bail to be set at RM10,000, citing the existing bail amount and his client's cooperation. "He has cooperated fully and never attempted to flee. His father and sister are prepared to post bail. "If the amount is too high, they may not be able to afford it, and he risks being remanded. "He also faces possible suspension from work following this latest charge," he said. In response, Aznika urged for a higher bail, stressing the substantial amount involved. "The RM10,000 requested is negligible compared to the total funds in question. A higher amount is necessary to ensure his presence in court," she said. After hearing both sides, Judge Rosli set bail at RM100,000 with one surety and ruled that the previous additional conditions would also apply. He approved the prosecution's request to transfer the case to the Shah Alam Sessions Court, where mention has been set for Sept 12.
New Straits Times
23-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Ilham Tower challenges MACC's second seizure over alleged irregularities
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) failed to comply with proper procedure in its bid to seize Ilham Tower for the second time, the High Court heard. Ilham Tower Sdn Bhd, the owner of the building, claimed the second seizure notice issued by the anti-graft body failed to adhere to procedures under Section 51(1A) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFPUAA) 2001. Section 51(1A) of the AMLATFPUAA 2001 requires law enforcement agencies to issue a written notice to the person who owns or possesses any property seized under the Act, informing them of the seizure. The company claimed the MACC also failed to post the notice in a public place as required by law, choosing instead to issue a press statement on the seizure. The company said this in its supporting affidavit to seek leave (permission) to initiate a judicial review to challenge the seizure. "The fourth respondent (MACC) also said that with the seizure of Ilham Tower, all transactions or transfers of ownership involving the building are now prohibited. "This statement is clearly erroneous, as no formal notice was served on the applicant. "The issuance of the second seizure notice is an abuse of process and power. It overlaps the earlier seizure and appears to be an attempt to unlawfully circumvent the 18-month time limit for the first seizure, which expired on June 17. "Although the first seizure notice was issued on Dec 18, 2023, no prosecution or charge has been brought against the late Tun Daim Zainuddin to indicate that the premises are linked to any offence under the MACC Act. "Since the first seizure notice, no evidence has been presented linking the applicant or Daim to any specific offence under the MACC Act 2009, AMLA 2001, or any other law related to money laundering or corruption," the affidavit said. Ilham Tower further argued that the second seizure violates Article 13 of the Federal Constitution, as it deprives the applicant of the right to use and enjoy the property. The company said the seizure has caused a significant loss in rental income, reputational harm as a property owner, and depreciation in the property's value. It added that the prolonged and arbitrary denial of ownership rights – without any charge or prosecution – was not only grossly unfair but also risked rendering the judicial review application futile. Ilham Tower filed the ex-parte application through its legal firm, Messrs Raj & Sach, on June 23. One of the company's directors is the late Daim's wife, Toh Puan Na'imah Abdul Khalid. In its application, Ilham Tower named the MACC, its Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, senior officer Mohd Razi Rahhim @ Rahim, MACC deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Akram Gharib, the public prosecutor, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and the government as respondents. The company is seeking a declaration that the order or seizure notice issued by Ahmad Akram is null and void. The company is also applying for a certiorari order to quash the seizure notice and all related decisions or actions. Additionally, it seeks a mandamus order compelling the second respondent – or any officer, employee, agent, or authorised individual under the second respondent – to cancel the seizure notice. Ilham Tower is also requesting a court order to suspend the seizure notice and all related actions or decisions until its judicial review application is heard and decided by the High Court. The company is also seeking damages and costs.
![[UPDATED] Immigration officer charged over nearly RM1mil in bribes](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2Fcourt227_1753155397.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
New Straits Times
22-07-2025
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] Immigration officer charged over nearly RM1mil in bribes
SHAH ALAM: An Immigration Department senior deputy assistant director claimed trial at the Sessions Court today to five charges of receiving and transferring RM933,295 in proceeds from illegal activities between 2022 and last year. Nas Suffian Nasrun, 41, entered his plea after the charges were read out to him before judge Datuk Mohd Nasir Nordin. Clad in a blue shirt, Nas Suffian listened to each charge attentively before pleading not guilty while his family members sat at the public gallery during the proceedings. He looked calm throughout the proceedings, telling the court he understood each charge, the penalties and consequences of his plea. His family members looked visibly sad and some had their heads bowed as the charges were being read out. On the first count, was accused of being directly involved in transactions worth RM224,840 of proceeds from illegal activities from a special pass agent's bank account to his mother's bank account through 29 online transactions. On the second count, he was alleged to have received RM297,600 of illegal proceeds in his bank account through 29 transactions from the same agent. On the third to fifth count, he was accused of having transferred RM113,375, RM209,080 and RM88,400 from his own bank account to his accomplice, who is also an immigration officer, his mother and a company through 104 transactions. He allegedly committed the offences at two banks in Kajang and Kota Damansara between July 29, 2022 and Sept 23, 2024. The charges were framed under Section 4(1)(a) and Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act. Each charge carries a jail term not exceeding 15-years and a fine not less than five times the amount of bribe or RM5 million, whichever is higher, upon conviction. Deputy public prosecutor Siti Amirah Muhammad Ali did not offer bail as the offences are non-bailable. Howevever, she said the court should set RM800,000 with one surety if it wanted to use its discretion to grant bail. She also urged the court to order the accused the surrender his passport to the court, report to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in Johor monthly and not harass prosecution witnesses if he was granted bail. "Although he is a civil servant, he is a flight risk. He is an immigration officer and we believe he is well versed with the country's borders," she said. Lawyer Muhammad Zaim Rosli pleaded for a bail of between RM10,000 and RM15,000 for each charge and said his client had been with the Immigration Department for 19 years. "My client's wife is also a senior immigration officer and they have five children aged between 7 and 15. "He has a clean work record and never had disciplinary action taken against him. But, he faces the risk of being suspended after being charged today. "He cooperated during investigations. The issue of him absconding does not arise and he has pledged to attend all court proceedings," he said. Zaim said his client will also be hauled to the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex to face similar charges on Thursday (July 24). After hearing the submissions, Nasir set bail at RM100,000 with one surety. He ordered Nas Suffian to surrender his passport to the court, report to the MACC office monthly and not harass prosecution witnesses. The court set Sept 12 for mention.
New Straits Times
14-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
MACC tracking more bank accounts in milk powder cartel probe
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is working with financial institutions to identify other bank accounts that may have been used by a cartel which supplied substandard milk powder to a government department. This was revealed by a source who also said that statements from two government department staff were taken by graftbusters last week. "This brings the total to 12 individuals whose statements have been taken so far to assist the investigation," the source said. When contacted, MACC Special Operations Division Senior Director Datuk Mohamad Zamri Zainul Abidin said the investigation is still ongoing. He said the investigation is being conducted under Section 16 of the MACC Act, as well as the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act, and the Income Tax Act. Last week, it was reported that the MACC was probing four family members suspected of owning and directing companies that supplied milk powder, valued at about RM120 million, to a government department for the past 20 years. The milk powder allegedly did not meet SIRIM Bhd standards. Preliminary investigations found that all the companies involved had no background in food and beverage production, processing, or distribution. Instead, they comprised furniture, electrical, contractor, property, transport, and civil engineering companies. The MACC also froze accounts totalling RM174.6 million, involving 24 individual accounts and 51 company accounts, following joint raids with the Inland Revenue Board and Bank Negara Malaysia in several series of operations around the Klang Valley starting July 8.
Sinar Daily
11-07-2025
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Tun Daim's case: MACC identifies assets worth over RM3 billion in 11 countries
KUALA LUMPUR - The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has identified assets worth over RM3 billion in 11 countries linked to the late Tun Daim Zainuddin, his wife Toh Puan Na'imah Khalid, his family members and networks of associates. The commission said that its Special Operations Division was conducting investigations and enforcement focused on seizing and forfeiting the extraordinary assets. "The 11 countries are the United Kingdom (UK), the United States (US), Switzerland, Singapore, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Jersey, Italy, Japan, Indonesia and several countries in the African continent, with an estimated value of over RM3 billion,' it said in a statement today, adding that the investigation was conducted with strategic cooperation with several enforcement agencies in the UK, including the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre (IACCC). The commission has also obtained a freeze asset order from the Kuala Lumpur High Court on June 3 against seven fixed and liquid assets worth an estimated RM758 million in the UK under Section 53 of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFPUAA) 2001. "An application of Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) to the UK authorities is being processed through the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) while further discussions with the IACCC is being coordinated to ensure enforcement action is taken systemically and effectively,' the commission said. In addition, the MACC also revealed that freeze asset orders have been filed against assets in Singapore and Jersey at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on June 19, with the hearings taking place on June 23 and 25. "Assets involved include four bank and investment accounts worth RM1.15 billion in Jersey while in Singapore, 12 bank and investment accounts worth RM540 million are involved,' the MACC added. Requests for further information regarding assets in countries such as the US, Switzerland, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Italy and Japan are being submitted through collaboration with Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), IACCC and MLA applications through AGC, to enable asset seizure and forfeiture actions to be carried out legally and comprehensively, the commission shared. "Domestically, the MACC has obtained an order to seize Menara Ilham on June 4, which was carried out the day after. Application to forfeit without prosecution under Section 56 of the AMLATFPUAA 2001 was filed at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on June 25,' the commission said, adding that statements from Na'imah and her son, Muhammed Amir Zainuddin Daim regarding the ownership of undeclared extraordinary assets were recorded on June 14. "Consequently, statements will be taken from the second child, Muhammed Amin Zainuddin Daim, who is currently in the UK. All three individuals are the main shareholders of Ilham Baru Sdn Bhd, the company with majority shares in Ilham Tower Sdn Bhd and identified as the beneficial owner of Menara Ilham,' it said. In line with Section 36(1) of the MACC Act 2009, a notice of asset declaration was handed to 22 individuals identified as relatives or close associates of Diam and Na'imah since yesterday for the purpose of identifying and confirming asset ownership. The MACC stressed that all actions taken were part of the commission's functions and role to ensure there was no element of corruption, embezzlement and abuse of power in the management of the country's wealth. "The MACC is committed to carrying out its investigation independently, transparently and based on law, without any interference or political interest,' it added. - BERNAMA
