KUALA LUMPUR: Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor is expected to formally answer charges of money laundering very soon, after probes that first began more than two years ago were revived.
The New Straits Times has learnt that investigators had, in recent days, tied up all the loose ends in their probe into the wife of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
It is understood that they dusted off and resurrected the “Rosmah file” about three months ago, soon after the Barisan Nasional government fell. This particular investigation, like so many others before it, was linked to allegedly suspicious sources of funds connected to her husband that had earlier hit a brick wall.
This was about the same time that Rosmah was called to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission headquarters in Putrajaya in June for more than three hours.
Many were made to understand that the interview was in connection with the probe into SRC International Sdn Bhd, a former subsidiary of beleaguered 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).
Najib was subsequently charged with three counts of criminal breach of trust and one charge under the MACC Act 2009 involving some RM42 million. He pleaded not guilty.
Sources said Najib might be answering to more charges before the end of the month.
THE ‘ROSMAH CASE’
According to those privy to the ongoing process to bring the 66-year-old to court, Rosmah, who was president of the Welfare Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers (Bakti) from 2009 to when her husband was removed in the May general election, could be hit with up to 20 criminal charges, mostly linked to alleged money laundering.
The NST also learnt that one charge, in particular, could draw a lot of interest.
It involved the purchase of hormone-based anti-ageing products from the United States worth just over RM1 million.
It is understood that her presence at MACC back then was because investigators believed that funds from SRC were allegedly used to purchase the oral dietary supplements.
These supplements apparently could enhance growth hormone levels by more than 600 per cent, if consumed rigorously.
Those who swore by the products said they experienced a boost in energy levels, had better sleep, increased sex drive, decreased body fat, increased lean muscle mass and better skin complexion.
According to sources, the cheque payment of more than RM1 million was made out to a “Datuk” doctor in February 2015 for the purchase of two sets of medication worth in excess of RM500,000 each.
A similar account number, from records said to be from the probes that allegedly linked Najib to a now-closed AmIslamic account (Kuala Lumpur branch), was visible on the contentious cheque issued to the doctor.
The account was believed to have been closed weeks after the payment was made.
The doctor had supposedly, during questioning, volunteered that the cheque was made out for the purchase of “two sets of medication”.
Another product was a 100 per cent plant-based health food to stimulate the human body to maintain youth, vigour and vitality, supposedly with anti-ageing properties.
It is understood that a cheque from the same account for RM100,000 was allegedly made out, also in February 2015, to a company for construction work at a house in Taman Duta.
The home is the known address of Najib and his wife. The payment was supposedly for work done on the sentry post and a room, among others.
The NST has also learnt that the doctor, who was vice-president of a society linked to his area of expertise, had resigned from his position, ostensibly to avoid dragging the society into controversy.