Riza Aziz’s DNAA dependent on fulfilling terms to return millions of ringgit

Today’s discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) of Hollywood movie producer Riza Aziz is dependent on him fulfilling the terms of the agreement reached with the prosecution to return to the government millions of ringgit allegedly linked to five counts of money laundering.

However, if Riza Aziz fails to adhere to the agreement then the prosecution reserves its right to reinstate the charges and prosecute him to the full limit of the law.

This was revealed in a copy of the statement read out by lead DPP Gopal Sri Ram when he informed the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court this morning over the agreement between the accused and the prosecution.

Below is the full statement as read out in court by Sri Ram, who confirmed it when contacted by Malaysiakini after proceedings today.

“Since the filing of the charges against the accused, he has made several representations through his solicitors to the relevant authorities. These representations have been considered most carefully by those concerned and a decision has been arrived at as follows.

“An agreement has been arrived at between the prosecution and the accused under the terms of which the Federal Government will receive a substantial sum running into several million ringgit. The sums have direct reference to the subject matter of the charges framed in this case. The accused has throughout this process received adequate and competent legal representation.

“As a consequence of the agreement arrived at, the charges framed against the accused will not be proceeded with for the present pending the completion of the agreement. The prosecution with the consent of the accused now respectfully moves the court for an order of discharge not amounting to an acquittal.

“If there is satisfactory completion of the agreement then appropriate steps will be taken to ensure that the accused obtains a full acquittal. But if there is no satisfactory completion of the agreement reached, the prosecution reserves its right to reinstate the charges and to prosecute the accused to the full limit of the law.”

On July 5 last year, Riza Aziz, who is the stepson of former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak, was charged with five counts of money laundering for allegedly receiving illegal proceeds from sovereign wealth fund 1MDB.

According to the charges read to him before the court, Riza allegedly received a total of US$248 million (RM1.03 billion) on five occasions between 2011 and 2012.

He was accused of committing the offences by receiving the money through the bank account of Red Granite, the Hollywood production company he co-founded. - Mkini