THE cops have opened three investigation papers into Najib Razak and his wife, Rosmah Mansor over nine audio recordings that appear to show attempts to manipulate and cover up information related to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) affair.

Bukit Aman CID prosecution and law principal assistant director Mior Faridalathrash Wahid said the couple were questioned for about an hour over the clips this morning in Bukit Aman.

They had arrived at the federal police headquarters about 10.30am and left at 11.50am.

Mior said they are being investigated under Section 8 of Official Secrets Act for wrongful communication of official secret or information; under Section 218 of Penal Code for framing an incorrect record or writing with intent to save a person from punishment; and under Section 203A of the Penal Code for disclosure of information.

“We are looking into their statements and will decide on the next course of action,” he said when contacted.

He said it was possible the husband and wife could be called in for further questioning.

Najib and Rosmah are now being questioned over the same recordings at Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Academy in Kuala Lumpur.

They arrived at 3pm.

They were accompanied by their lawyers Rajivan Nambiar and Mohamed Reza Rahim.

The MACC later confirmed that the couple were questioned for about an hour, and they are being investigated for alleged abuse of power under Section 23 of the MACC Act.

Police have to date taken statements from 12 people over the audio recordings, including from Baling MP Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim, Najib’s former private secretary Shukry Mohd Salleh and former aide Amhari Efendi Nazaruddin.

MACC chief commissioner Latheefa Koya has said that the agency aims to complete its investigation into the audio recordings in about a month.

It was reported earlier that police was investigating the case as criminal conspiracy, while the MACC probe was focused on power abuse.

MACC released nine audio clips at a press conference on January 8. Among the key conversations recorded were of Najib speaking with Rosmah, individuals from the United Arab Emirates, and former MACC chief commissioner Dzulkifli Ahmad.

The conversations revolved around helping Najib’s step-son Riza Aziz to obtain a loan to explain a sudden cash infusion, and are also believed to be related to the charges that have been drawn up against Najib over SRC International Sdn Bhd funds.

The recordings are believed to have been made between January 5 and July 29, 2016. – February 21, 2020.