MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki says the investigation is focused on the offence of misuse of power to obtain bribes and money laundering.
PUTRAJAYA: More than RM39 million in bank accounts, including those belonging to a former senior minister, two businessmen with the “Tan Sri” title, and their family members, has been frozen following a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigation into the misappropriation of RM2.3 billion in national funds.
A source said it involved 192 bank accounts, comprising 35 company accounts and 157 individual accounts.
According to the source, MACC has also recorded the statements of the two businessmen, in addition to conducting searches at the residences and related premises belonging to the politician and a businessman, on Wednesday.
The people in question have been served notices in accordance with Section 36 of the MACC Act 2009 and Section 44 of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
“Several documents related to the case have also been obtained,” the source said, adding that currently, “it (MACC) is obtaining information related to the misappropriation of national funds”.
The source said the investigation is a continuation and extension of the case first reported on May 19 about the disclosure of confidential documents by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists regarding suspected transactions in several offshore financial centres.
MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki confirmed the news and said the investigation is focused on Section 23 of the MACC Act regarding the offence of misuse of power to obtain bribes and money laundering.