THE cash seized from Umno as part of the police’s probe into the 1Malaysia Development Bhd scandal might not be returned to the former ruling party, the force said today.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Noor Rashid Ibrahim said the seized funds would be subjected to court action.

If it does not go to court, the police may return the money or opt for a civil forfeiture, as provided for under anti-money laundering laws, he said.

“We will decide whether to go for court action. If there is no court action, maybe we will go for civil forfeiture.

“If not, we will return the money. We will do everything based on the evidence,” he said after launching the police’s Innovation Day at Universiti Sains Malaysia in George Town.

Last week, Umno filed an application at the Kuala Lumpur High Court to reclaim the RM116.7 million seized by police from premises connected to former prime minister Najib Razak. 

In a statement of claim, Umno said it was seeking a declaration that the search and seizure by the police on May 17 was conducted unlawfully. It is also seeking general, aggravated and exemplary damages.

Rashid said from witness statements and how the money was kept, the police believed the cash was of illegal origin.

“That was why we conducted the raids and made arrests… give us time and space to complete the investigations,” he said, adding that the police had a one-year period to investigate the case under the anti-money laundering law.

“It does not necessary mean we need an entire year… maybe we will take just two months, for instance.

“But there are many aspects to look into. We have to check individual serial numbers, brands, sellers, manufacturers. 

“The process is long. We also have to call up experts and companies to verify the items, like whether this watch is fake or that watch is real,” he said.

On another case, Rashid gave his assurance that the police would solve the murder of Cradle Fund chief executive officer Nazrin Hassan, who died more than three months ago.

Nazrin was found dead after his bedroom at a double-storey terrace house in Mutiara Damansara caught fire on June 14, the day before Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

His family had said then that his handphone had exploded, causing the fire. 

However, last month, Selangor police classified the case as murder after investigators found traces of petrol in the room.

It was reported that Nazrin had injuries to the neck, believed to have been caused by an arrow. Nazrin’s stepsons – aged 14 and 16 – practice archery in school.

The police had since arrested and released several family members of the deceased, namely his wife, who is a senior executive at the Malaysian Intellectual Property Corporation; her ex-husband and their two teenage sons

Nazrin’s sister-in-law and her husband, who were arrested on Sunday, were released yesterday. 

“I cannot comment much on the case as I don’t know the facts well.

“But we will solve the case as soon as possible.” – September 27, 2018.