Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has completed its investigation into a high-profile case involving the alleged misappropriation of public funds, with one individual expected to be charged soon.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman stated that the case would be referred to the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) for further action under Section 409 of the Penal Code for criminal breach of trust. "My officers may refer the matter to the AGC as early as this week. If it is agreed to, charges will follow soon," he told Bernama after a working visit to the MACC office.
Abd Halim explained that the investigation, known as Ops Sutra, focused on the alleged misappropriation of public funds channelled through an institution to certain organisations, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The investigation revealed that the individual leading the organisation is believed to have misappropriated funds amounting to hundreds of millions of ringgit through several companies he had established.
"Their modus operandi was to set up several companies after receiving the funds and channel the money for their own benefit through those companies. Various documents and statements were also believed to have been forged, and numerous procedures and regulations allegedly violated," he said.
The MACC recorded statements from 40 witnesses and identified two main suspects, but the investigation so far has focused on only one individual. The commission has also frozen various assets, including seven houses, four plots of land, three company premises, 19 luxury vehicles, and valuables such as gold bars, watches, handbags, as well as cash in both local and US currencies.
"In addition, 76 accounts belonging to individuals and related organisations, valued at RM158 million, were frozen, bringing the total value of assets frozen and seized to RM186.6 million," Abd Halim stated.
In another development, Abd Halim noted that the MACC had completed investigations into high-profile cases involving two individuals. However, he declined to reveal the identities of the individuals involved and details of the cases, as the matter is still subject to investigative confidentiality.