KUALA LUMPUR: Twelve policemen suspected of extorting a foreign national of RM2mil are the subject of an investigation by Bukit Aman's Integrity and Standard Compliance Department (JIPS).
Its director Comm Datuk Aida Abdul Hamid said the disciplinary investigation was initiated in tandem with the ongoing criminal probe by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
She said JIPS would focus on the integrity aspect of the case to determine whether the personnel had breached any code of conduct based on the findings of the CID investigation.
"Our investigation focuses on integrity issues to determine whether there were any breaches of conduct under the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993," she said when contacted on Monday (July 27).
Comm Aida said JIPS is also examining whether there were supervisory weaknesses and possible elements of abuse of power, ethical violations or misconduct that could tarnish the image of the police.
On possible action against those involved, she said this would depend on the progress of the investigations by both CID and JIPS, in accordance with the relevant regulations.
Earlier, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said swift action taken, including investigating those allegedly involved, reflected the police's commitment to preserving integrity.
On Sunday (July 26), it was reported that police were investigating 12 officers and personnel accused of extorting RM2mil from a foreign national.
The victim later lodged a police report at the Dang Wangi police headquarters, triggering an internal investigation.
According to a source, the group allegedly demanded RM2mil from the victim, who could only partially pay the amount.
