PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) found RM3.5 million cash during a raid at the house of the suspect who headed a "project tender cartel", which was crippled on Sunday night.
The 47-year-old businessman with a 'Datuk' title was said to have amassed an extraordinary amount of wealth and assets, including a luxury yacht and two helicopters.
This was uncovered by investigators from the MACC as investigations into the cartel intensified.
Sources close to the investigations said RM15.7 million worth of luxury vehicles, which included several Mercedes-Benz models and Range Rovers, were seized.
The source added that also seized was RM29 million worth of properties, such as bungalows, shophouses and offices.
"A total 644 accounts, belonging to individuals and companies, worth about RM100 million, were also frozen.
"The wealth amassed by the 'Datuk', who is the head of the syndicate, is extraordinary," the source said.
It was reported that the MACC crippled the 'project tender cartel' with the arrest of seven individuals, including its mastermind, in an operation on Sunday.
The suspects were said to have monopolised a total 354 tenders from several ministries and government agencies nationwide, involving projects worth a total RM3.8 billion.
The syndicate, said to be in operation since 2014, is believed to have used more than 150 companies to submit tenders or quotations to the ministries and agencies involved.
The head of the syndicate created 150 different companies by employing several individuals as directors of companies which in fact belonged to the former.
The syndicate targets facility maintenance and development projects.
The source said investigations revealed all the companies had provided false information in terms of academic qualifications, professional certifications and financial statements to convince the tender board on their capabilities in implementing the project.