PUTRAJAYA: Three celebrities were called in by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to have their statements recorded to assist in an investigation related to a loan syndicate involving a financial consultancy firm on Thursday (Feb 6).
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed that the bank accounts of these celebrities had not been frozen.
“No, we have not frozen their bank accounts. It has nothing to do with their accounts.
“The total funds frozen so far under Ops Sky, as I was informed, amount to around RM80mil. The money is in the company’s accounts,” he said during a press conference at the MACC headquarters here on Thursday (Feb 6).
It is learnt that the three celebrities are Datuk Jalaluddin Hassan, Siti Roziana Zain, better known as Ziana Zin and astronaut Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha.
The trio arrived at the MACC headquarters at 9.30am and were allowed entry through the back entrance of the office.
Azam explained that the three celebrities were likely engaged as influencers to create content promoting the company’s services.
“At this moment, I see all three of them as influencers for the company.
“However, why did we summon them? It is not only to complete our investigation but also to understand why the company needed celebrities to promote their packages, particularly to civil servants, encouraging them to take loans from financial institutions.
“That is what we are focusing on,” he said.
The Chief Commissioner added that while the payments received by these celebrities were not the main concern, the substantial investments made by the company in engaging influencers had raised suspicions.
“For me, how much they were paid is not the issue. However, if large sums were invested in paying these celebrities, it raises some concerns for us as investigators.
“In this investigation, we need to look at all angles. These celebrities were called in to assist our probe and provide statements that could be relevant.
“If there are other influencers involved, we will not hesitate to summon them. But for now, only these three,” he clarified.
Azam reassured that the MACC is treating the celebrities amicably.
“We are friendly to them. Don’t assume we are out to arrest them,” he added.
Commenting further on the probe, Azam revealed that beyond facilitating loans for individuals deemed ineligible, the syndicate had another modus operandi.
“The company not only made it easy for people to secure loans but also encouraged government officers - who were the majority of borrowers - to reinvest their loan money into the company itself,” he added.
He said this aspect of the case is being closely examined to determine whether it constitutes illegal deposit-taking.
“This is another matter we need to look into, as the company may have committed another offence.
“While it may not fall under the Anti-Corruption Act, under Section 10(3) of the MACC Act 2009, we have the authority to continue our investigations,” he added.
In January, the MACC launched Ops Sky, successfully dismantling corruption and money laundering activities involving financial consulting companies and bank officers from several financial institutions.
The operation led to the arrest of 12 individuals in raids conducted by the MACC’s Anti-Money Laundering Division (AML) in collaboration with Bank Negara.
Raids were carried out at 24 locations across the Klang Valley, targeting residences and offices linked to the syndicate.
Investigations found that celebrities and artistes had received up to RM400,000 for promoting the company as brand ambassadors over one to two years.
Reports indicate that approximately RM700mil in loans were approved for civil servants, with suspected elements of corruption and money laundering in the process.
So far, 27 individuals have been detained, including 18 bank officers, eight financial consultancy company staff, and one civilian. All have since been released on MACC bail.
