THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has seized RM38 million and some 200kg of gold in a corruption case involving a “Datuk” businessman and his accomplices, who were arrested on Monday.

MACC sources said the anti-graft agency had busted a syndicate involved in bribery, criminal breach of trust, smuggling of illegal goods and under-declaration of taxes.

They said the massive operation was carried out in collaboration with six other enforcement agencies, namely the police, Immigration Department, Customs Department, Bank Negara Malaysia, Inland Revenue Board and Cyber Security Malaysia.

“The businessman and his associates have been arrested while RM38 million, 200kg in gold worth about RM60 million and 17 luxury cars, including Maserati, Ferrari and Mercedes Benz, have also been confiscated,” the sources told The Malaysian Insight.

They said the operation, codenamed Op 82S, was the first carried out by the multi-agency task force, chaired by the attorney-general.

The Monday operation, with simultaneous raids on 34 locations in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, involved 315 officers from various agencies.

When contacted, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki confirmed the seizure.

The case is being investigated under the MACC Act 2009, Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001,Taxation Act 1967 and Customs Act 1967. – July 26, 2023.