Swiss probe on RM40mil Musa Aman case ongoing

The Swiss attorney-general's office has confirmed that it is still investigating the money laundering case involving Swiss bank UBS and Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman.

It said that the case has not been affected by its decision to close a probe in relation to Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud, after finding Taib-related assets in Swiss banks were withdrawn in 1999.

“These pronouncements have no bearing on the criminal investigation opened for similar offenses around Musa Aman, the chief minister of the state of Sabah (Malaysia). This investigation which began in August 2012 will continue,” it said in a statement.

The investigation commenced following a complaint by Swiss NGO Bruno Manser Fund (BMF).

BMF had accused UBS of facilitating the laundering of “corruption proceeds” through its branches in Hong Kong and Zurich.

In April 2012, the Swiss Federal Office of Justice said that it had given Hong Kong legal assistance on the same matter.

The MACC later found that RM40 million smuggled by Sabah businessperson Micheal Chia (above, right in picture) from Hong Kong into Malaysia, purportedly for Musa, was actually for Sabah Umno.

As such, the MACC concluded that there was no element of graft involved while Musa has denied any ties to Chia.

What happened to assets withdrawn in 1999?

Meanwhile, the Swiss AG's office said that its investigation into a report by Swiss MP Carlo Sonmaruga and BMF found that only two banks had counted Taib's family members as their clients.

However, the accounts were withdrawn and closed in 1999, and the family holds no more assets in Swiss banks.

“Given the lack of banking relationship with the Taib (left) and his family, it was not necessary to examine whether the banks in question had provided support to a criminal organisation.

“Therefore, the (prosecution office) has abandoned the investigation and issued orders for non-consideration.”

In 2011, Taib wrote to the Swiss authorities to deny allegations that he had held assests in Swiss banks or has investments in the European country, and pledged cooperation in the probe.

Meanwhile, BMF said while it welcomed the Swiss prosecutors' declaration, it wants Taib to declare all foreign assets held by himself and his closest family members and declare their origins.

“In particular, there is a need to clarify the amount and whereabouts of the assets formerly held by a Swiss bank and withdrawn in 1999,” the NGO said in a statement.