KUALA LUMPUR: Assets worth about RM4mil believed to belong to a freelance preacher were seized, as investigations continue into the alleged misappropriation of funds from a non-governmental organisation (NGO) under his control.
Sources said the latest seizure carried out today by Negri Sembilan Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), involved various foreign and local currencies, including 7,325 Saudi riyals, RM152,155 and S$27,134.
The operation also saw the confiscation of gold jewellery estimated to be worth about RM2mil.
“Negri Sembilan MACC conducted its latest seizure. In addition to the increase in seized foreign and local currencies, various gold items valued at approximately RM2mil were also seized.
“As such, the total value of seizures from yesterday and today amounts to about RM4mil” the source said.
Inital investigations revealed that two committee members suspected of abetting the preacher were his wife, who serves as the NGO’s treasurer, and another individual who is the organisation’s secretary.
Sources added that funds believed to have been transferred into the preacher’s personal bank account, as well as into eight company accounts under his control, were done without the knowledge of other committee members.
On Wednesday, the freelance preacher was remanded for five days to assist in investigations into alleged abuse of power and misappropriation of approximately RM12.3mil in NGO funds for personal use.
Meanwhile, Negri Sembilan MACC director Awgkok Ahmad Taufik Putra Awg Ismail confirmed the matter when contacted, adding that the eight companies involved include those in printing, publishing, book sales, marketing, product sales, human resource management and brand ambassador management.
