MACC investigating several individuals for corruption involving recovery of 1MDB assets, says source

PUTRAJAYA: Graft busters are investigating several individuals, alleged to have been involved in corruption and money-laundering in an effort by the government to recover 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) assets.

It is learnt that one individual, a lawyer, was alleged to have accepted a sum of money during the asset recovery process.

"The money was then invested into an unlicenced investment company. In fact, Bank Negara had acted against this particular company in 2021," said a source.

The same source said the lawyer was said to have previously been appointed by 1MDB to resolve its asset issues with overseas companies.

"Officers from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission were present at the said law firm today to obtain documents in relation to the investigation," the source said.

MACC chief commission Tan Sri Azam Baki when contacted confirmed that an investigation had been launched to look into the allegation.

He said his officers’ presence at the lawyer’s office was not a violation of any laws and that his team were aware of lawyer-client fiduciary relationship.

It was earlier reported that the MACC had raided the office of a former prime minister’s lawyer.

Twelve officers were said to have been involved in the raid and there were claims that they had demanded for the right to search and seize documents from the office.