PUTRAJAYA: Three civil servants including a ‘Datuk’ and a ‘Datuk Seri’ were arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today for corruption, abuse of power and money-laundering.
The authorities also froze RM13 million in their bank accounts, including savings accounts and unit trusts amounting between RM1 million and RM6 million.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigations division director Datuk Azam Baki said the operation was launched simultaneously in Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Kelantan.
“The trio, in their 50s, were arrested between 12pm and 2pm. They were attached to a government department, a local authority and a government-linked company.
“MACC officers also seized several condominiums including penthouse, a bungalow and luxury cars such as Maserati, BMW and Audi; believed to have been obtained from proceeds of corruption and money-laundering.” he said in a statement today.
MACC also found about RM400,000 in cash, foreign currency and several luxury wristwatches.
The move comes hot on the heels of MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Dzulkifli Ahmad’s pledge to wipe out corruption and abuse of power by civil servants.
The case is being investigated under Section 17(a) and 23 of the MACC Act 2009 and Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001. Under the MACC Act 2009, those convicted can be sentenced to 20 years in prison; fined RM10,000 or five times the bribe, whichever is higher.
For an offence under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, offenders are liable to imprisonment not exceeding 15 years and a fine of not less than five times the sum or value of the proceeds of the unlawful activity, or RM5 million, whichever is higher.
Azam said the investigations are still ongoing. Those arrested are expected to be remanded tomorrow.