SEPANG, Sept 18 (Bernama) — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is now examining the financial records of family members and close associates of those arrested in the counter-setting scandal, said Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.
He said the move is part of efforts to trace the money trail behind the counter-setting activities, with the probe extending to all linked to those in custody.
“Whoever is associated with them will be investigated. For now, we consider them as witnesses, and we need to obtain full clarification, as some have claimed that the money came from other people (sources).
“We will carry out further investigations in this matter. The money trail isn’t extensive since it doesn’t involve a corporate entity, but they still need to account for the source of the funds, and anyone linked will be called in,” he said when asked if the probe includes family members and close associates.
He spoke to reporters after attending the 4th National Conference on Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption Research here today.
He added that MACC will also look into how those arrested managed to buy luxury cars, run businesses, and amass large sums of cash.
“They will be issued notices to declare their assets… and all of this will be scrutinised, including how the money was acquired and its sources,” he said.
He added that the MACC has also launched an investigation under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA 2001).
He also confirmed that no new arrests have been made but did not rule out the possibility of further arrests, depending on the investigators’ findings.
On Sept 10, MACC said it had arrested 27 individuals, including 18 enforcement agency officers, for their suspected involvement in a counter-setting syndicate, which facilitates the entry of foreigners into the country without following prescribed procedures.
According to sources, all 27 suspects – 19 men and eight women, aged between 20 and 50 – were detained in operations conducted across Selangor, Melaka, Kuala Lumpur, and Negeri Sembilan.
— BERNAMA
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