MACC files forfeiture suit to recover RM270 million in 1MDB funds

Timothy Achariam Timothy Achariam Updated 4 years ago · Published on 21 Jun 2019 10:58AM · 4 Comments

MACC chief Latheefa Koya, in a press conference today, says there are 41 respondents named in the suit filed by the anti-graft agency at the Kuala Lumpur High Court. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Kamal Ariffin, June 21, 2019.

GRAFT-BUSTERS have filed a civil forfeiture suit to recover RM270 million linked to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd scandal from 41 individuals, said Latheefa Koya.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief said it is the largest such suit in Malaysia’s history, and that the money was from former prime minister Najib Razak’s bank account.

“The money we are going to recover was disbursed from an account at a local bank under Najib’s name, and it is 1MDB funds,” she told reporters at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya this morning.

She said there are 41 respondents named in the suit, which was filed at the Kuala Lumpur High Court.

“These individuals are from Umno, and various foundations and companies.”

The respondents may not be charged under the Anti-Money Laundering Act (Amla) if they provide cooperation, she said.

Latheefa revealed that of the RM270 million, RM212 million was received by Umno.

“The largest forfeiture among the 41 involves Umno as so many divisions received funds. When you put it all together, it’s Umno (getting) RM212 million,” she said in her first presser as MACC chief.

She added that Parti Bersatu Sabah and civil group Pekida, too, received money.

“Under Section 56 of Amla, once unlawful activity is discovered, the proceeds from this activity can be recovered through this application.”

She said shortly after MACC filed the application, some respondents returned money amounting to RM2 million.

The main priority is to get the 1MDB funds back without charging the individuals concerned, she said.

“When you investigate, even before prosecution is complete, we can go for recovery without charging the people who took the money. We want to be practical and get the money back.”

Latheefa said under Amla, if it is proven that one had obtained funds through an unlawful activity and the recipient did not take precautions to verify the source of the money, it could be subjected to forfeiture.

This is not a criminal prosecution, she said, and those named are only subjected to forfeiture.

“This is not a criminal prosecution, so if they (recipients) voluntarily decide to give back the money, it’s all well and good.

“We have so many people who may have received the money. If we try to prosecute them all, it will take time.

“Since the law is clear, this (forfeiture) seems to be the most pragmatic way of getting the money back.” – June 21, 2019.

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Comments

  • Boom! Latheefa fires the first volley against the kleptocrat's cronies within and without Umno. Let the bast*rds pay!

    Posted 4 years ago by Simple Sulaiman · Reply

  • That should be the way

    Posted 4 years ago by SY L · Reply

  • Luv it. Start with all of these parasites and move on to the bigger parasitic creature.

    Posted 4 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply

  • This is what I called as a true crime buster is all about which this nation needs badly, it will shivers the spines for those who has enjoyed from the devil father of cash is king especially most of the supreme council members under jibby who are basically yes man who doesn't offer nothing else than their own belly. The culture is very much alive and thick in dumno since still rejects to throw out leaders with such bad characters. I wonder how much would be tracked down to jibby immediate family members and close buddies.

    Posted 4 years ago by Teruna Kelana · Reply