SEVERAL companies have taken legal action against Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor for allegedly obtaining luxury goods through misappropriated funds to the tune of US$350 million, The Edge reported.
The plaintiffs claim that jewellery, watches and handbags were obtained from funds from 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), SRC International Sdn Bhd and other subsidiaries.
According to court documents filed on May 9, Rosmah, along with Shabnam Naraindas Daswani (also known as Natasha Mirpuri), were named as defendants.
The plaintiffs claimed that Shabnam Naraindas had purchased or procured the luxury items on behalf of the wife of imprisoned former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
The plaintiffs' lawyers from Messrs Lim Chee Wee Partnership in their pleadings filed that a total of 320 such payments totalling US$346,010,489 were made.
The plaintiffs want Rosmah to return any of these items in her possession and to pay a sum of US$346,010,489, or an amount to be assessed by the court.
They also want the second defendant to pay them a sum to be determined by the court.
Case management for the matter has been set for May 24.
Last year, a jeweller from Lebanon sued Rosmah demanding she pay US$14.6 million (RM67.5 million) for violating a contract for 43 pieces of jewellery sent to her five years ago.
Global Royalty Trading SAL, based in Beirut, in its statement of claim, said Rosmah, 71, had lied in her affidavit and statement of defence by saying the jewellery – including diamond necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets and tiaras sent to her by the company’s agent – were seized by Malaysian authorities for offences under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.– May 10, 2024.