SEVENTEEN security personnel under investigation for allegedly stealing RM3.5 million from the Prime Minister’s Office have been released on bail.

Putrajaya magistrate Nadhirah Abdul Rahim ordered 15 of them to be released this morning with one surety, while another two were released on Friday, reported Malaysiakini.

The 17, all working at the PMO, were arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission on August 7 under Section 23 of the MACC Act, which concerns the use of office or position for gratification. Their five-day remand was due to expire tomorrow.

They are suspected of misusing RM3.5 million believed to be meant for the 14th general election.

The group comprises a senior security officer and 16 security guards.

As of August 10, MACC had seized over RM1.19 million in cash from the suspects, in addition to several cars, motorcycles, and other goods.

Malaysiakini previously reported that the security personnel were believed to have broken into former prime minister Najib Razak’s office on the night of the general election in May upon learning that BN was about to lose.

They then carted away the RM3.5 million – which MACC said was part of Umno’s election war chest – purportedly not kept in a safe.

Najib later claimed the money belonged to Umno. – August 12, 2018.