KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has discovered links between 38 different companies and a director of a state department and his deputy who were nabbed over corruption allegations this week.
A source with the MACC said the director is linked to 17 companies owned by his siblings and proxies, while the deputy is connected to 21 companies owned by his family members.
The two officers and two others were held as part of the MACC’s biggest-ever seizure of cash, totalling RM115 million, as well as items comprising jewellery, designer goods and luxury cars.
The haul may increase further as the MACC revealed that the amount of money recovered, in cash and from accounts of the suspects, does not include the value of properties and possible deposits made overseas.
Investigations point to possible kickbacks received from infrastructure projects worth RM3.3 billion handled by the two officers since 2010.
MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Azam Baki said yesterday that the seizures and arrests followed a special operation dubbed "Ops Water" at the homes and offices of the suspects after a one-year surveillance.
"It’s the biggest ever in the history of the commission since it was established 49 years ago."