KUALA LUMPUR: The 17 security officers arrested for allegedly taking RM3.5 million cash from the Prime Minister’s Department, had already spent RM2 million of their ill-gotten gains before they were busted.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Azam Baki said the money, which were funds meant for the 14th general election, had already been spent on buying cars, motorcycles, jewellery, electronic items as well as household goods, including furniture.
He said that to date, MACC has only managed to recover RM1.47 million from the total.
“Based on our latest investigation, the security officers had spent more than RM2 million from the RM3.5 million taken.
“The cash was used to buy a variety of items such as furniture and cars, all of which have already been seized by MACC,” he said.
On August 8, a total of 17 security officers at the department were remanded for five days under Section 243 of the MACC Act 2009 to assist in the investigation into abuse of power and misappropriation of GE14 funds totaling RM3.5 million.
It is understood that among those arrested were a security officer (Grade KP52) aged 51, and 16 security officers (Grade KP11) aged between 31 and 51, who were based in Kompleks B of the Prime Minister’s Department.
To date, MACC have seized seven cars, 12 motorcycles, five rings, one bracelet, four necklaces, 11 mobile phones as well as electronic devices.
The cars comprised one Volkswagen Golf GTI , three Honda cars, and one Subaru Impreza, Toyota Vios and Perodua Alza each. The 12 motorcycles were from Yamaha and Honda.
The items are in the process of being valued. The security officers have been released on bail.
Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun, said the police have yet to receive any report on the matter.
To my knowledge, no reports have been made. The investigation is being handled by the MACC,” he said.
Fuzi also lashed out at those who had claimed that police were involved in the incident.
“Some have said that policemen and police officers were involved. This involved police volunteers at the PM’s Department, not the Royal Malaysian Police,” he said.