The authorities have seized more than RM38 million in cash, over 200kg of gold worth more than RM60 million, and 17 luxury cars from a “Datuk” film distributor arrested for alleged money laundering earlier this week.
MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki confirmed the matter and said the case is being investigated under the MACC Act 2009, the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorist Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (Amlatfpuaa) 2001, Income Tax Act 1967, and Customs Act 1967.
According to a statement, the seizures were a result of a Multi-Agency Task Force (MATF) operation led by MACC.
The operation involved 315 officers and personnel from six agencies and was conducted at 34 locations around Kuala Lumpur and Selangor on Monday.
"The agencies involved in the raids are Royal Malaysia Police, the Immigration Department, the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Bank Negara Malaysia, Inland Revenue Board, and Cyber Security Malaysia.
"The operation, dubbed Ops 82s, was the first such raid conducted by the MATF, under the supervision of the Attorney-General's Chambers," said the statement.
With the seizures, the authorities have crippled a syndicate that practised bribery, breach of trust, illegal smuggling of goods, and illegal tax reduction.
The luxury cars seized during the raids include Maseratis, Ferraris, and Mercedes Benzes, among others.
Suspects released after remand expiry
Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported that the MACC had arrested two businesspersons renowned for distributing Indian movies and bringing in artistes from India to perform in Malaysia.
Also nabbed was a businessperson-cum-politician aligned to Bersatu, who had previously announced his intention to contest a state seat in Negeri Sembilan in the upcoming state election.
Online news portal FMT identified one of the businesspersons as Abdul Malik Dasthigeer, the founder and chairperson of Malik Group of Companies, which comprises Malik Streams Corporation Sdn Bhd, Malik Maju Sdn Bhd, Malik Streams Properties Sdn Bhd, Malik Streams Antenna Movies Sdn Bhd, and Malik Streams Production & Distribution.
A source told Malaysiakini that both Malik and the politician have been released after a request for an extension of remand was rejected by the court today.
The second businessperson, who is also another film distributor who distributed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's biopic “Anwar: The Untold Story", is expected to be released tomorrow after questioning, the source said.
It was also reported that MACC would call up a former cabinet minister to facilitate investigations into the matter. The source told Malaysiakini that the agency has yet to call the ex-minister for questioning.
The Star earlier today identified the ex-minister as M Saravanan, who denied any knowledge of the matter. - Mkini
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