RM53m bribery claim: No suspicious financial transactions linked to Nik Nazmi - MACC chief

 

MACC has found no proof of suspicious fund transfers or financial transactions involving former natural resources and environmental sustainability minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, amid allegations he received RM53 million in bribes linked to the transfer of three elephants - Dara, Amoi and Kelat (DAK) - to Japan.

MACC chief commissioner Abd Halim Aman said preliminary checks through the Cash Threshold Report (CTR) and Suspicious Transaction Report (STR) confirmed this.

“Based on investigations conducted so far, there is no evidence of any fund transfers or suspicious financial transactions involving the former minister or companies associated with him.

“However, investigations are continuing into four identified suspects, particularly in relation to financial and banking analyses,” he told a press conference in Putrajaya today.

Halim (above) said the four suspects comprise a former civil servant, a serving civil servant, and two company owners, while 19 witnesses have been called in to assist with the investigation.

Halim said investigations under Op DAK were launched following information received by the MACC regarding alleged bribery and abuse of power between 2021 and 2022 in connection with the transfer of the three elephants from Taiping Zoo to Tennoji Zoo in Japan.

He added that investigations so far have found that the cost of transferring the three elephants did not involve funds from the Malaysian government, but was fully borne by Tennoji Zoo, amounting to US$1.048 million (RM6.3 million).

He said the elephants were temporarily housed at the National Elephant Conservation Centre in Kuala Gandah for crate training before being flown to Japan.

Probe nearing end

On the 25-year agreement that had been raised, he said the duration was found to be reasonable, taking into account the elephants’ biological factors, including a gestation period of about two years and an estimated maximum of six calves that could be born during the agreement period.

Halim said investigations involving the four suspects under Op DAK are ongoing, as several transactions still need to be clarified through forensic analysis of money trails and bank accounts.

“Most of the investigation can be said to be nearing completion. Once the examination of the money trail is finalised, the MACC will decide on the next course of action, whether to bring charges or close the case,” he said.

Halim stressed that the MACC would continue to conduct its investigations independently, professionally and in accordance with the law, without being influenced by speculation or pressure from any party.

He said all investigating officers had been instructed to ensure that the investigation is carried out thoroughly, transparently and based on facts, testimony and evidence, so that no aspect is overlooked.

Yesterday, Taiping Municipal Council president Akmal Dahalan reportedly said the documents requested by the MACC were related to the memorandum of understanding on the transfer of the three elephants to Japan.

- Bernama