Probe into major funds misappropriation case complete, charges soon: MACC chief

 

The MACC has completed its investigation into a high-profile case involving the alleged misappropriation of public funds, with one individual expected to be charged soon.

MACC chief commissioner Abd Halim Aman said the case would be referred to the Attorney-General’s Chambers for further action under Section 409 of the Penal Code for criminal breach of trust.

“My officers may refer the matter to the AGC as early as this week. If it is agreed to, charges will follow soon,” he told Bernama after a working visit to the MACC office in Kuala Terengganu.

Halim said the investigation carried out under Ops Sutra focused on the alleged misappropriation of public funds channelled through an institution to certain organisations, including NGOs.

The investigation found that the individual at the helm of the organisation was believed to have misappropriated hundreds of millions of ringgit through several companies he had established, he added.

“Their modus operandi was to set up several companies after receiving the funds and channel the money for their own benefit through those companies.

“Various documents and statements were also believed to have been forged, as well as numerous procedures and regulations allegedly violated,” he said.

Assets seized, accounts frozen

Halim further said the MACC had recorded statements from 40 witnesses and identified two main suspects, but the investigation so far had focused on only one individual.

He said the MACC had also seized various assets, including seven houses, four plots of land, three company premises, 19 luxury vehicles, and valuables such as gold bars, watches, handbags, as well as cash in both local and US currencies.

“In addition, 76 accounts belonging to individuals and related organisations, valued at RM158 million, were frozen, bringing the total value of assets frozen and seized to RM186.6 million,” he said.

In another development, Halim said the MACC had completed investigations into high-profile cases involving two individuals.

However, he declined to reveal the identities of the individuals involved and details of the cases, as the matter is still subject to investigative confidentiality.

- Bernama