KUALA LUMPUR: Some RM9.7mil in assets have been seized in connection with an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of RM300mil in investment funds linked to a Tan Sri.
“He (the Tan Sri) came to the office, and we immediately arrested him, after which we proceeded to record his statement as a detained person,” he said, adding that the suspect is from the private sector and the case has been classified as an economic crime.
He said the case involves investment funds that were subsequently misappropriated.
Sources said the latest list of assets seized by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) comprises six houses valued at RM6.54mil, a parcel of land worth RM1.8mil and two luxury vehicles valued at RM1.35mil, bringing the total value of the seized assets to RM9.7mil.
“In addition, 14 bank accounts have been frozen, although the amounts involved are still being verified with the respective banks,” the source said yesterday.
The Tan Sri and a female board member, who holds the title “Datuk” and was previously detained by anti-corruption officials, have since been released on bail.
“The woman, who had been remanded for five days, was released on bail at about 2pm on Saturday.
“The Tan Sri, who had been remanded since Jan 22, was released at noon on Sunday,” sources said.
When contacted, MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed the developments and said that statements had so far been recorded from 10 witnesses.
He added that the commission was actively tracing other witnesses to complete the investigation.
Azam reiterated the MACC’s commitment to expediting the investigation, which holds considerable public interest.
It was previously reported a man with the title “Tan Sri” was among two people detained by the MACC on suspicion of involvement in a large-scale investment fraud of more than RM300mil.
Initial investigations, according to sources, revealed the collection of nearly RM300mil from about 1,700 investors for investment in two companies between 2021 and 2024.
“However, checks revealed that the collected funds were believed to have been misappropriated and spent for purposes other than those agreed upon in the agreement with the investors,” the source said.
The Tan Sri involved is alleged to have used his influence to attract and influence the public to invest in the scheme.
Based on information received, Azam had said the individuals are believed to be involved in large-scale fraudulent activities that fall under the commission’s investigative jurisdiction.
He said the fraud involved issues affecting the public, with many investors suffering losses amounting to millions of ringgit.
“We have gone after the individuals involved in this case. This is our responsibility and our duty,” he said.
Azam said the Tan Sri was detained on Jan 21 and remanded for four days, while the woman was arrested on Jan 20.
