Suspect Burns Nearly Rm1mil In Cash During Macc Raid

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 The main suspect in a probe into alleged bribery over a data centre project tender tries to destroy the cash after seeing the MACC officers at his house.
The MACC team discovered partially burnt RM100 banknotes amounting to nearly RM1 million in the bathroom of the main suspect’s house during the raid.PETALING JAYA: One of the suspects arrested during a raid by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over alleged corruption involving a data centre construction project tender had reportedly tried to burn nearly RM1 million in cash to destroy evidence
Sources said the project manager of a leading construction company had attempted to destroy the cash out of panic and shock following the raid carried out by MACC at the suspect’s house on Thursday, Bernama reported.
A team of MACC officers discovered bundles of RM100 banknotes, amounting to nearly RM1 million, in the process of being burned, according to sources.
“The suspect is believed to have acted in desperation by grabbing several bundles of cash and attempting to destroy them by burning them upon seeing the arrival of the MACC team,” a source was quoted as saying.
“After the MACC team successfully opened the door, they found the interior filled with thick smoke emanating from the bathroom.
“Upon inspection, the team discovered partially burnt RM100 banknotes amounting to nearly RM1 million in the bathroom.”
It was reported yesterday that MACC arrested the suspect, along with his wife and two company directors, over suspected corruption involving procurement tenders for the construction of a RM180 million data centre in Johor.
About RM7.5 million in cash, stored in several pillow boxes, along with three luxury watches – a Rolex, an Omega, and a Cartier – as well as various pieces of jewellery, including rings and gold coins were seized during the raid.
“The money is believed to be from bribes paid to the manager in exchange for securing six project procurement tenders,” a source said.
Meanwhile, MACC deputy chief commissioner for operations, Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya confirmed the incident when contacted.
He stressed that the suspect’s attempt to dispose of evidence constituted a serious offence, which could be prosecuted under Section 201 of the Penal Code, carrying a maximum sentence of seven years’ imprisonment and a fine, upon conviction.
However, Khusairi added that the main focus of the investigation remains under Section 16 and Section 17A of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, which deal with bribery and corporate liability for corruption.
MACC have obtained a seven-day remand order until July 24 for the manager, while his wife has been remanded for three days until July 21.
The Putrajaya magistrates’ court also ordered the two company directors to be remanded until July 22. - FMT

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