PETALING JAYA: A staggering RM170mil in foreign currencies and 16kg of pure gold bars worth nearly RM7mil have been seized in a high-profile corruption and money laundering probe involving Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
The massive haul was uncovered during searches by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) at multiple residences and three other premises believed to be “safe houses”, allegedly used to stash the wealth.
The foreign currencies found included baht, riyal, pound, won, euro, Swiss franc and yuan, according to a statement issued by MACC yesterday.
The existence of these “safe houses” was discovered following investigations into four senior officers who served under the former prime minister.
“MACC is conducting an investigation related to a corruption and money laundering case involving the former prime minister.
“The focus of the investigation is on the expenditure and acquisition of funds for promotional and publicity purposes during Ismail Sabri’s leadership of the country,” the statement said.
An additional 10 witnesses are expected to be called to assist with the investigation, it added.
Investigators are also keeping the door open for another round of questioning for Ismail Sabri himself.
The Bera MP was previously grilled for five hours on Feb 18, following an earlier statement recorded on Jan 10.
As part of the probe, Ismail Sabri was ordered to declare his assets under Section 36(1) of the MACC Act 2009.
He officially complied on Feb 10, nearly two months after the directive was issued on Dec 11 last year.
“The commission would like to emphasise that the investigation is being carried out independently, professionally, and in accordance with the law.
“The MACC is committed to ensuring that any form of misconduct related to corruption and money laundering is dealt with firmly in the interest of the country,” it stated.
The investigation, conducted under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, has already led to the arrests of four senior officers, two of whom hold the title of Datuk.
They were remanded on Feb 21 over their suspected involvement in money laundering and corruption, and have since been released.
At the centre of the case is an investigation into alleged corruption, where RM700mil was reportedly spent on promotional and publicity efforts during Ismail Sabri’s administration.
Ismail Sabri served as the nation’s ninth prime minister from August 2021 to November 2022.
