PETALING JAYA: A corporate figure with a Tan Sri title is being investigated by graft busters for alleged money laundering, which is believed to be linked to Sapura Energy Bhd’s shares amounting to RM500mil.
Sources said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had recorded the Tan Sri’s statement at its headquarters in Putrajaya on Monday and Tuesday.
“No arrests have been made so far,” the source said.
“The investigations point towards elements of corruption involving investments following the merger of SapuraKencana Petroleum Bhd (SKPB) and Sapuracrest Petroleum Bhd, which later became known as SEB.”
Raids were conducted at various locations, namely the SEB office at the Mines, Menara Permata Sapura (Sapura Holdings Sdn Bhd) and homes of the individual in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.
A total of 83 bank accounts belonging to five individuals and 15 companies valued at RM158.26mil have been frozen following the investigation.
“The focus of the investigation points towards offences under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009, which is related to the offence of using office or position for gratification such as salary bonuses and shares, branding fees and private placements from 2012 to 2021,” the source said.
The source added that the MACC is also investigating whether there is criminal breach of trust, misappropriation of funds and forgery involved.
It was reported in March that the investigations were carried out based on the results of its initial probe at the end of 2023.
In March, graft investigators opened two investigation papers on SEB following allegations of corruption and misappropriation of funds.
