MACC calls up 9 senior cops over gambling, scam probe

 

Nine senior police officers are making their statements, while 8 others have been arrested by MACC.

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has called up nine senior police officers to assist in an investigation into an online gambling and scam syndicate.

A well-placed source in the MACC told FMT that the nine officers were called up just to give statements on the case. “No arrests were made for now,” said the source.

The anti-graft agency is in the midst of compiling evidence on the case, with 736 bank accounts frozen and approximately RM101 million seized.

So far 39 witnesses have given their statements and 19 people have been arrested. Of the 19 detained, nine have been remanded.

The source said the MACC will focus on tracking enforcement agencies involved in the syndicate, adding that the next phase would be focusing on individuals and firms identified to be involved in money laundering.

Two main suspects to be charged

Two main suspects in the syndicate will be brought to the Putrajaya magistrate’s court tomorrow to be remanded.

“As stressed by the MACC chief commissioner, all parties involved are urged to immediately come forward to the MACC to assist our investigations, before strong action is taken against them.

“We will give them until this coming Monday to surrender,” the source added.

The source also said individuals and firms whose accounts were frozen should also come forward to the MACC and give their statements, warning of strict action if they fail to do so soon.

It was reported that the MACC had a list of prominent individuals, including celebrities and businessmen, found to be involved in a Macau scam syndicate.

Luxury vehicles and big bikes seized

Yesterday, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said hundreds of dummy (false) companies were created by the syndicate linked to some celebrities.

MACC also seized RM5 million in cash and 23 luxury vehicles including Mustang, Rolls Royce, Bentley, Ferrari and Porsche as well as several high-powered motorcycles believed to have been earned from the syndicate’s illegal activities.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani had recently confirmed that three police officers and two personnel have been arrested on suspicion of being involved in a money-laundering syndicate related to local celebrities.

Police begin internal investigation

Earlier today, Bukit Aman integrity and standards compliance director Zamri Yahya said police have begun an internal investigation involving various aspects against all police officers and personnel detained by MACC.
He said the eight policemen were arrested for alleged involvement in providing protection to the syndicate and receiving gifts in the form of money and others.

“We will also investigate and check if their lifestyle and assets match their rank and position. Police view the involvement of the policemen with the syndicate seriously,” he said today.

Zamri said Bukit Aman will take stern disciplinary action on those who breached rules and discipline.

On Oct 1, MACC had summoned an artiste couple to record their statements in connection with a probe into money laundering activities. - FMT