KUALA LUMPUR: They are being hunted or are wanted to facilitate investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, yet many are still not on the Interpol Red Notice list.
Due to this, some of those reported in the media as people wanted by the authorities are able to take refuge and enjoy luxurious lifestyles in certain countries, whether around Southeast Asia or in the Middle East.
However, Berita Harian was made to understand that not all the names of those wanted by MACC are disclosed to the public due to ongoing investigation factors.
Nevertheless, there are currently at least four high-profile individuals being hunted by the MACC.
Among those who should be on the Interpol list, as they are wanted by both Malaysian authorities and those of several other countries, is Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low.
However, the fugitive businessman, wanted for allegedly causing massive losses to Malaysia, is found to not be on the Red Notice list, as of this month.
Besides Low, several people associated with the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal are also not on that list, though authorities' investigations remain ongoing to this day.
One of them is former 1MDB business development executive director Tang Keng Chee, better known as Casey Tang, who has once again become a focus of MACC investigations.
Sources say Tang is linked to funds suspected of being misappropriated in the 1MDB case, in addition to having been named in investigations and asset recovery actions related to the scandal.
Several years ago, reports mentioned that he would be charged in court in absentia for charges such as criminal breach of trust (CBT) and money laundering.
Tang had previously been charged with moving US$1 billion worth of 1MDB funds to a third party account.
Red notices against him were issued in 2018 and 2019, but authorities have still failed to apprehend him.
In addition, businessman Datuk Seri Muhammad Adlan Berhan, who is also the son-in-law of former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, is still being tracked to assist in investigations into a separate case.
He reportedly left Malaysia on May 17, 2023, for New Zealand, shortly after his father-in-law was charged with several counts of corruption.
He is reported to be enjoying a luxurious lifestyle in a Middle Eastern country.
His cousin, Segambut Bersatu division deputy chief Adam Radlan Adam Muhammad, is also wanted but has disappeared overseas.
Previously, Adam Radlan was investigated in connection with the Jana Wibawa project, but the court discharged and acquitted him of 12 counts of corruption and money laundering related to the project after he paid a RM4.1 million compound.
Sessions Court judge Suzana Hussin made the decision after being informed by deputy public prosecutor Farah Yasmin Salleh that MACC agreed to offer a compound of RM4.1 million to Adam Radlan based on the representation submitted by the accused.
Adam Radlan left the country almost immediately after being freed from the charges.
However, he is now being sought by MACC to assist in investigations related to the Putrajaya-Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Highway (MEX II) construction project.
Checks on the MACC website show that there are nearly 30 people on the commission's wanted list.
These include the four children of former finance minister, Tun Daim Zainuddin, who have been wanted since last April to assist in the Op Godfather investigation.
While Daim's daughter Asnida has since been charged, her brothers Md Wira Dani, Muhammed Amir Zainuddin and Muhammed Amin Zainuddin are still on the wanted list.
Also on the list is Adlan's lawyer, Mansoor Saat, who is also a director and shareholder of NERS Sdn Bhd. He has been on the list since 2023.
He is facing breach of trust charges related to the NERS project, which was funded through a RM595 million sukuk facility.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki told BH the commission is still tracking all those wanted to assist in ongoing investigations.
"MACC is committed to continuing efforts to track those who have fled from investigations. These efforts will be further intensified to ensure that all individuals involved can be traced and brought back to assist in the investigations.
"Stolen money must be returned to the people. In my view, no amnesty should be granted to those involved in cases like these because they involve the interests and rights of the people.
"MACC is constantly requesting updates from the authorities to obtain the latest information on their whereabouts. Cooperation between enforcement agencies continues to be strengthened to ensure that appropriate action can be taken without any delay," he said. - NST
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