Police have confirmed that they are still investigating former Bank Negara governor Zeti Akthar Aziz’s husband, Tawfiq Ayman, over allegations that the latter had received 1MDB-linked funds.
Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Zainuddin Yaacob said the probe is being conducted under Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
The provision criminalises engaging in transactions that involve the proceeds of unlawful activity. The offence is punishable with imprisonment of up to 15 years; and a fine at least five times the value of the proceeds, or RM5 million, whichever is higher.
“Therefore, the police advise the public not to make any statement or speculation on any platform until the investigation is complete and referred to the Attorney-General’s Chambers for a decision,” he said in a statement today.
For the record, Zeti had denied that she and her family members had received money from 1MDB, and said she had already extended full cooperation to the authorities investigating the scandal.
Last Saturday, it was reported that Singapore police had alerted Bank Negara about suspicious transactions from fugitive businessperson Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, to a company owned by Zeti’s husband and son.
The transfers reportedly took place in 2008 and 2009 and were flagged to Bank Negara in 2015 and 2016 when the Singapore police Commercial Affairs Department began investigating 1MDB-linked transactions.
Zeti only retired as central bank governor in April 2016.
The report brought renewed pressure on Zeti to answer about her family’s alleged involvement in the scandal.
Meanwhile, since the investigation involves a bank account in Singapore, Zainuddin said the police were formally seeking legal assistance from Singapore authorities to facilitate the investigation. - Mkini
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