GEORGE TOWN: The cash totalling RM116.7mil cash seized from Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in June was probably obtained illegally, says Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Noor Rashid Ibrahim (pic).
"Based on the investigations so far and on the statements recorded, we believe the money was acquired through unlawful means.
"We will need time to verify all items seized pertaining to the investigation, as the scale of the case is huge," he said.
Noor Rashid was commenting on Umno's application at the Kuala Lumpur High Court to claim the RM116.7mil cash seized from Pavilion Residences in June, which the party said was theirs.
He said according to the law, the police could hold on to the money until June 2019.
"The Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 provides a one-year period for police to hold on to evidence, and the court can decide to take action on the money under criminal proceedings or under civil forfeiture after that.
"Once the ongoing money laundering investigations involving 1MDB are completed, and if police find no (illegal) links, we would gladly return the money to the owner," he said.
Did you find this article insightful?
