MACC: Deal with Riza Aziz secured during Tommy Thomas' time

The plea bargain between the prosecution and movie producer Riza Abdul Aziz was achieved during Tommy Thomas' stint as attorney-general.

This was revealed by the MACC today.

Thomas (photo) resigned in late February following the fall of the Pakatan Harapan federal government.

When contacted by Malaysiakini, Thomas refused to comment on the MACC's revelation.

Meanwhile, the MACC said the federal government is expected to recover assets worth nearly half a billion ringgit as part of the deal.

According to the MACC, the foreign assets were estimated to be worth US$107.3 million (RM465.3 million).

MACC's announcement followed the prosecution's decision to drop money laundering charges against Riza this morning.

"The MACC has been informed that it is a conditional release where the prosecution reserves the right to reinstate the charges and prosecute the accused if there is no satisfactory completion of the agreement.

"As a result, the Malaysian government is expected to recover overseas assets involved in the offense, which is estimated at US$107.3 million," said the MACC.

According to the MACC, this money was a "compound" under Section 92 of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.

"(This compound) is punitive as an alternative to the charges that have been brought against him," said the MACC.

Earlier today, ad hoc prosecutor Gopal Sri Ram, who read out the application to discharge Riza, did not disclose the terms of the settlement.

It is unknown when Riza has to make good the payment.

Riza, who is former premier Najib Abdul Razak’s stepson, was in July last year, charged with five counts of laundering money allegedly misappropriated from 1MDB.

His stepfather is currently facing several trials related to the misappropriation of funds from 1MDB or linked entities as well. - Mkini