PUTRAJAYA: Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor was taken into custody today while she was giving her statement at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters, here, today.
The New Straits Times learnt that Rosmah, 66, is looking at between 15 and 17 charges for alleged offences under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFPUAA) 2001, involving monies amounting to RM7 million.
Earlier, she presented herself for questioning at 10.42am accompanied by her lawyer Datuk K. Kumaraendran, after being summoned by the MACC.
The arrest was made at 3.20pm today and Rosmah will spend the night at the MACC before she is taken to court tomorrow.
This is the third time Rosmah, who is also the wife of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was called in by the commission.
She was summoned regarding beleaguered sovereign wealth fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad's (1MDB) subsidiary SRC International Sdn Bhd and the anti-graft body's investigation into money laundering.
In a statement, the MACC said Rosmah's arrest follows the consent for prosecution by the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC).
"Following that, Rosmah will face several charges under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFPUAA) 2001.
"Rosmah will be taken to the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court on Oct 4, 2018 at 8am to be charged," the statement read.
Earlier, a source from the MACC also confirmed to the NSTP that Rosmah would face multiple charges tomorrow.
“I can confirm that she will be charged tomorrow but I cannot confirm the number of charges,” the source said.
At a press conference after Rosmah's arrest, Kumaraendran said presently, he was not aware how many charges his client will face.
"She was detained after giving her statement to the graft busters today.
"I was informed that she will be brought to the Kuala Lumpur court complex tomorrow," he said.
Rosmah was called in for the first time in June. She was then called in again to have her statement recorded by the MACC on Sept 26.
On Sept 24, MACC's chief commissioner Datuk Seri Mohd Shukri Abdull said the investigation on Rosmah had been completed and that the report was submitted to the Attorney-General for the next move.
The NST had reported that one of the charges she could be facing involves the purchase of hormone-based anti-ageing products from the United States worth over RM1 million.
It is understood that her presence at MACC back then was because investigators believed that funds from SRC International were allegedly used to purchase the oral dietary supplements.
These supplements apparently could enhance growth hormone levels by more than 600 per cent, if consumed rigorously.
Those who swore by the products said they experienced a boost in energy levels, had better sleep, increased sex drive, decreased body fat, increased lean muscle mass and better skin complexion.
According to sources, the cheque payment of more than RM1 million was made out to a “Datuk” doctor in February 2015 for the purchase of two sets of medication worth in excess of RM500,000 each.