The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has recorded statements from 27 witnesses following an operation against e-waste and scrap metal smuggling syndicates in five states.
The syndicates are believed to have bribed enforcement officials, resulting in an estimated tax revenue loss of over RM950 million in the last six years.
A source said MACC also recorded a statement from a suspect believed to be involved in the syndicates’ activities, but no arrests have been made so far.
MACC froze 324 bank accounts of 142 companies and 182 individuals, involving a total value of almost RM150 million. It also seized about RM183 million in assets.
“Overall, the assets seized and accounts frozen amount to over RM332 million,” said the source.
MACC’s special operations division senior director Zamri Zainul Abidin confirmed the matter and said the commission is still identifying the suspects involved.
He said MACC is inspecting the finances of the suspects and companies, with cooperation from the Inland Revenue Board, the customs department, and Bank Negara Malaysia.
“Besides the investigations under Sections 16 and 18 of the MACC Act 2009 (for bribery and false claims) and money laundering activities, investigations are ongoing under the Income Tax Act 1967 and Customs Act 1967 by the agencies involved,” he said.
