Army senior officer probe: MACC seizes 6 bank accounts

 

The MACC confirmed today that it seized six bank accounts believed to be owned by an Armed Forces senior officer and his family to facilitate investigations into a corruption case involving a Malaysian Armed Forces procurement project.

MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki also confirmed that an investigation paper has been opened under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009 over the matter.

“Today, MACC officers conducted searches at several companies believed to be involved to secure related documents and evidence.

“Six bank accounts owned by the suspect and the family member have been seized in the investigation,” he said, adding that the investigation is now focused on the cash flow suspected to be deposited into the account owned by the senior officer.

Meanwhile, an MACC source revealed that the search at the Armed Forces office at the Defence Ministry and the suspect’s official residence began at about 5pm and ended at midnight on Dec 27.

No cash was seized during the searches, but several luxury items, including watches and handbags believed to be related to the investigation, were seized, he added.

The suspect was supposed to have shown up at the MACC headquarters to provide their statement on Dec 28, but was rushed to the hospital and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit on the day itself, the source said.

The suspect is currently receiving treatment, and his statement has yet to be recorded, said the source, adding that several main witnesses, such as contractors believed to have secured Armed Forces contracts, would be called up.

“The MACC has recorded the statements of five company owners, and the total number of witnesses called up to assist investigations is currently 10,” the source said, adding that the commission was looking into about 40 companies suspected to be involved in providing bribes.

The commission is expected to expand its investigation to include financial flows, project procurements, and relations between individuals and companies involved, the source added.

- Bernama