ALOR SETAR: An independent consultant was charged in the Sessions Court here with one count of criminal breach of trust (CBT) and six counts of money laundering amounting to RM499,986.30.
Ahmad Syaradhi Mohd Nor, 51, pleaded not guilty to all charges before Judge N. Priscilla Hermamalini.
On the CBT charge, he is alleged to have dishonestly used money totalling RM315,500 from a Maybank account owned by Jaring Pelangi Trading, his wife's business, for personal gain.
This money had been entrusted to Ahmad Syaradhi for facilitating the repayment of factoring financing for MT Agrofood Industries Sdn Bhd, intended to be handed over to Ikhtiar Factoring Sdn Bhd.
Accused of committing the offence at Maybank Bhd, Jalan Pandak Mayah, Kuah, Langkawi between Nov 1, 2022, and July 25 last year, the charge is under Section 406 of the Penal Code, carrying a sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment, whipping, and potentially a fine upon conviction.
For the second, third and seventh charges, Ahmad Syaradhi is alleged to have received RM63,734; RM14,185; and RM68,682.30, respectively, believed to be proceeds from illicit activities, through his and his wife’s accounts from Pelangi Trading's account.
The fourth, fifth and sixth charges involve RM7,900; RM14,185; and RM15,800, respectively, also believed to be proceeds from unlawful activities.
The alleged offences were committed at Maybank Bhd, Jalan Pandak Mayah, Kuah, Langkawi between Nov 3 and July 25 last year.
The charges, under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds From Unlawful Activities Act 2001, provide for imprisonment of up to 15 years and a fine of not less than five times the amount or value of proceeds from unlawful activities or RM5mil, whichever is greater, upon conviction.
For the CBT charge, the court granted Ahmad Syaradhi bail of RM20,000 with one surety, and RM15,000 with one surety for the remaining charges.
The court set Jan 8 for mention. The prosecution was conducted by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Deputy Public Prosecutor Noor Azura Zulkiflee, while the accused was unrepresented. – Bernama
