KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is intensifying its investigation into a share trading scandal involving a former chief executive officer of a government-linked statutory body and a chairman of a holding company.
Potential losses to public funds are estimated at over RM300mil.
Sources said the two individuals are believed to have colluded with several board members and shareholders of another company in a share sale transaction to the investment body.
The probe, conducted by the MACC Special Operations Division, is focusing on allegations of inflated and unreasonable share valuations which may have led to significant financial losses.
"Today, the MACC raided two additional firms involved in valuing the shares to verify the actual worth of the company.
"Investigations also revealed that the misappropriation was systematically planned, with suspected fund transfers in and out of overseas accounts," a source said.
So far, 10 witnesses have had their statements recorded, with seven more expected to be called in soon to assist in the investigation.
When contacted, MACC Special Operations Division senior director Datuk Mohamad Zamri Zainul Abidin said the investigation is currently focused on offences under Section 16 of the MACC Act 2009, as well as criminal breach of trust.
He added that investigators are also analysing and identifying elements of other possible offences, particularly those related to money laundering.
