UMNO lawyer Mohd Hafarizam Harun claimed trial to two counts of money-laundering after allegedly depositing cheques belonging to Najib Razak amounting to RM15 million into a clients’ account at his law firm.

The offences allegedly occurred in 2014 and 2015 and were linked to the former prime minister’s AmIslamic Bank cheques deposited into the law firm’s account at CIMB Bank.

Hafarizam, 46, was granted bail of RM500,000 in one surety by Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court judge Azman Ahmad, who set case mention on March 25. 

Hafarizam, in a black suit, appeared calm throughout the proceedings, was also ordered to surrender his passport.

He was represented lead counsel Hasnal Rezua Merican and seven other lawyers – Reza Hassan, Wan Azmir Wan Majid, Abu Bakar Isa Rahmat, Ellia Zuraini Mat Zin, Umi Farhanah Mohd Nasir, Effa Azzuin Aidrul Hisham and Muzammil Merican. 

Deputy public prosecutors Ahmad Akram Gharib, Muhamad Mustaffa P. Kunyalam and Nadia Mohd Izhar appeared for the government.

For the first criminal charge, Hafarizam allegedly deposited two cheques between April 16, 2014 and November 7, 2014, amounting to RM11.5 million.

For the second charge, Hafarizam allegedly deposited a third cheque amounting to RM3.5 million on February 12, 2015. All three cheques were deposited at a CIMB branch at the Putra World Trade Centre, the site of Umno’s headquarters.

Hafarizam said outside the courtroom he could not say much.

“I can’t say much because the matter is now in court and therefore, is sub judice but I’m leaving it to my team of lawyers to proffer my defence and I would take this opportunity to clear my name in due course,” he said before leaving. – February 21, 2019.