FORMER spy chief Hasanah Abdul Hamid was today slapped with one count of criminal breach of trust in relation to the misappropriation of US$12.1 million (RM50.22 million) at the Prime Minister’s Office ahead of the 14th general election.

The ex-director of the Malaysian External Intelligence Organisation pleaded not guilty to the charge, which was read out at the Kuala Lumpur sessions court this morning.

Hasanah was represented by counsel Shaharudin Ali, Mohd Khairul Azam and Imran Khairi Osman.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission last month arrested Hasanah and eight others from the spy agency.

It seized RM26.16 million from several locations in the course of its investigations.

The largest stash of RM16.9 million was found in a rented condominium in Cyberjaya.

Hasanah was charged under Section 409 of the Penal Code for CBT committed by public servants or agents, which provides for a maximum jail term of 20 years, whipping and a fine upon conviction.

Judge Azman Ahmad set bail at RM500,000 with two sureties, and ordered that the amount be paid today.

He also ordered Hasanah to surrender her passport to the court until the trial is over. – October 25, 2018.