EXCLUSIVE | The MACC probe into the alleged misappropriationof US$12 million (RM49.89 million at current rates) in funds by former government intelligence officers is almost complete, according to sources close to the investigation.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior MACC investigating officer told Malaysiakini that they are almost ready to submit the case file to the public prosecutor.
"Investigators are wrapping up the investigation, they only need to tie up some loose ends.
"We will submit the file soon and any decision whether to press charges or not will be up to the public prosecutor," said the source.
The MACC has recovered an additional US$1 million (RM4.6 million) since August in the course of its investigation into the funds allegedly received by former officers of Malaysia External Intelligence Organisation (MEIO).
Sources also told Malaysiakini that the number of people arrested in the case remains at nine as of late August.
Eight of the detainees were former officers of MEIO, known officially as the Research Division of the Prime Minister's Department. Among those arrested was the agency's former chief Hasanah Abdul Hamid.
The ninth suspect is a businessperson – believed to be the suspects’ ‘go to’ person – who was picked up by the MACC in Kelantan on Aug 29. Investigators recovered a total of US$4.07 million (RM16.92 million) in a condominium in Cyberjaya shortly after his arrest.
This was the largest haul in the US$6.3 million the commission announced it had recovered from several locations as of August. With the additional recovery of funds, the total now stands at US$8 million.
Malaysiakini was previously informed that the intelligence officers might have received the US$12 million from a foreign source via a Middle Eastern country ahead of the May 9 general election.
The officers had allegedly abused their authority to get special access to bring the cash into Malaysia through an airport.
According to the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 and Exchange Control Act 1953, sums equivalent to US$10,000 (RM41,575) and above must be declared at the point of entry. Failure to do so may result in a jail sentence and a hefty fine.
The MACC is investigating if the cash was indeed meant to be used in the 14th general election. - Mkini
Just throw them behind bars next to their klepet boss if found guilty.
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