KUALALUMPUR: A quantity of foreign currency valued at approximately RM5 million was discovered by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission during a raid on an apartment here, which was allegedly being used as a 'safehouse' for an influential politician yesterday.
The action followed the recent arrest of two individuals, including a former senior executive at the Selangor Mentri Besar Incorporated (MBI), in connection with an investigation into a multi-million ringgit corruption scandal related to a sand mining concession under the state investment arm's subsidiary.
According to sources, both suspects are believed to be linked to a well-known politician who once held significant political influence in Selangor.
"Following the arrests, one suspect revealed the existence of a 'safehouse' intended to store money obtained from corrupt activities belonging to an influential politician.
"The raid was conducted around 10p, last night at an apartment located in Kuala Lumpur, which was rented by a businessman as a storage place for the proceeds of corruption," the source said.
The search uncovered a sum of Singapore dollars (S$1,529,000), or approximately RM5 million.
"The money was stored for use by the politician in relation to his political activities. This money has already been seized by the MACC for further investigation.
"It is believed that this money was provided by an unidentified individual and was stored by the businessman under the instruction of the involved influential politician," the source added.
The source also stated that the MACC has frozen around 15 bank accounts belonging to various individuals and companies, including those believed to have been used to channel corrupt funds.
"The MACC is also investigating the involvement of the influential politician. The investigation is being conducted under Section 16 of the MACC Act 2009," the source said.
Meanwhile, MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, when contacted, confirmed the arrest of the two suspects involved.
"I confirm that two individuals have been arrested for allegedly being involved in corruption related to the sand concession from MBI," he said.