KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has detained four civil servants and is on a manhunt for another individual, for allegedly receiving more than RM5 million in bribes from a smuggling syndicate.
The four-day remand order runs from today to March 15, after it was issued by Putrajaya magistrate Irza Zulaikha Rohanuddin.
A source said the four, aged between 40 and 50, were arrested around the Klang Valley from 11.30am to 4pm yesterday, in an operation conducted by the MACC’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Division, Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) and Bank Negara Malaysia.
“During the operation, the MACC detained eight individuals, including four civil servants, believed to be working with the syndicate smuggling tobacco, cigarettes and alcohol between 2018 and 2023.
“So far, the syndicate has caused a leakage of tax revenue estimated at RM400 million and bribed individuals, including civil servants, more than RM8 million to smuggle chewing tobacco, cigarettes, alcohol and some other goods,” said the source.
Following the operation, AML seized items, such as mobile phones, laptops, cash, houses and cars, amounting to nearly RM6 million.
The MACC also froze 237 bank accounts amounting to RM12 million.
“This syndicate is believed to be using mule accounts to make payments to civil servants who conspire with it.
“The syndicate was also found to be involved in money laundering activities via shell companies, through money changers and licensed money lenders.”
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, when contacted, confirmed the remand order and said the case is being investigated under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act 2009 and Section 165 of the Penal Code.
He added that MACC will be applying for remand on other individuals who have been arrested under Section 17(b) of the MACC Act. – March 12, 2024