GEORGE TOWN: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) seized cash and valuables worth about RM500,000 from some of the 33 people, including three senior doctors, who were detained over their alleged links to a cartel accused of falsifying Social Security Organisation (Socso) disability claims.
Sources said the anti-graft body also seized jewellery, two luxury handbags, luxury vehicles, 33 mobile phones and other valuables.
"The total value of seized items is estimated at RM500,000," a source said. "Initial investigations also indicate that the total amount of bribe money involved to be RM2 million."
Earlier today, 33 people, including three senior doctors and a woman, were remanded over their alleged links to a cartel accused of falsifying Socso disability claims.
Magistrate Nadratun Naim Mohd Saidi ordered the doctors to be remanded for two days and the woman for one day.The remaining suspects received three-day remands. Investigations are ongoing under Section 18 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009.
All 33, aged between 26 and 60, were detained between 1pm and 8pm yesterday while giving statements at the state MACC office here.
The joint operation involved the state MACC and Socso.
The suspects were believed to have colluded with agents or runners and the medical officers from public and private hospitals here to submit fake documents for permanent disability claims to Socso.
State MACC director Datuk Mohd Fuad Bee Basrah, when contacted, confirmed the matter.