IGP: Cops still investigating ownership claims of seized jewellery

KUALA LUMPUR: Police are still gathering information regarding claims on the seized jewellery from premises linked to Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said information is being gathered from various parties.

"If someone claimed that the jewellery are theirs, then they must prove it.

"We are investigating the claims from all parties, including the jewellers from Lebanon," he told a press conference after attending the Bukit Aman monthly assembly on Wednesday (Oct 24).

The Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act provides a one-year period for police to hold on to evidence on a case, the country's top cop added.

The Star reported that the Kuala Lumpur High Court had ordered the government to confirm whether the 44 pieces of jewellery loaned by a Lebanese jeweller to Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, who is Najib's wife, were part of police raids in their investigation into 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

High Court Judicial Commissioner Wong Chee Lin made the order after the court was informed by Senior Federal Counsel Izham Marzuki that the Attorney General's Chambers could not confirm whether the 44 items of jewellery worth about RM60mil by Global Royalty Trading SAL were part of the 12,000-piece haul by the police.

In July, Beirut-based Global Royalty Trading filed a RM60mil suit against Rosmah over the 44 pieces of jewellery allegedly sent to her earlier this year and which had been seized by the police.

The firm said in its statement of claim that the former premier's wife had acknowledged in a letter on May 22 that she received the items.

Global Royalty Trading said in its statement of claim dated Feb 10 that the 44 pieces of jewellery comprising a tiara, diamond necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings, were sent to Rosmah.

The statement of claim added that while Rosmah had acknowledged in writing to receiving the consignment, the items were no longer in her custody.

The police raided several houses linked to Najib over a few days beginning May 16.