KUALA LUMPUR: Two siblings who are petrol station operators have been remanded for four days over their alleged involvement in a subsidised diesel smuggling syndicate.
A Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission source said the remand was granted by Magistrate Romaroi Jonoi until Aug 26 at the Sibu magistrate's court today.
The duo are also alleged to have bribed enforcement officers to avoid legal action.
"They were arrested alongside two men and a woman during 'Op Liter', conducted by MACC with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry at a diesel storage depot in Sungai Bidut," the source said.
It is believed that the five suspects were involved in a syndicate selling subsidised diesel intended for fishermen at higher prices to foreign buyers.
"The syndicate is believed to have been operating since 2012, raking in profits of up to RM400 million.
"They are also suspected of bribing officers from an enforcement agency to avoid action for storing diesel without a valid permit," the source added
The source also said MACC seized two barges and 30 oil storage tanks containing approximately 1.6 million litres of diesel during the operation.
"MACC also confiscated around RM3.7 million in cash following the arrest of the five suspects."
MACC special operations division senior director Datuk Azmi Kamaruzaman confirmed the arrest when contacted.
He added that the three others arrested along with the siblings were released on MACC bail today.
"The case is being investigated under Section 16(b)(B) and Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009, Section 471 of the Penal Code and the Control of Supplies Act 1961."