20-07-2025
Paper trail turns to ashes
PETALING JAYA: Nearly RM1mil in cash went up in flames when anti-graft officers stormed a suspect's house here, only to find thick smoke and burning banknotes.
The raid, carried out by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on July 17, targeted the home of a project manager from a leading construction firm suspected of involvement in bribery linked to a data centre tender.
According to a source, the suspect had set fire to stacks of RM100 notes, totalling close to RM1mil, in a desperate bid to destroy evidence just moments before the raiding party entered.
'When the door was opened, the team found the house filled with smoke. The smoke was pouring out from a bathroom.
'Inside, there were bundles of cash being burnt,' the source revealed.
But the money trail did not end there as a thorough search of the premises uncovered RM7.5mil hidden in pillowcases, along with a stash of luxury watches and jewellery.
Charred cash: The burnt stacks of RM100 notes found after the accused attempted to destroy evidence linked to suspected involvement in bribery. — Bernama
MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya confirmed the raid, calling the suspect's attempt to dispose of evidence 'a serious offence' under Section 201 of the Penal Code.
If convicted, the suspect could face up to seven years in jail and a fine.
However, he said the core of the investigation remains focused on alleged offences under Sections 16 and 17A of the MACC Act 2009, which deal with bribery and corporate liability for corruption.
