Malaysia

‘Geng Upik’ kingpin charged with money laundering over RM800,000

Court verdict adds to his legal troubles while he serves a five-year prison sentence for his role in the criminal network

Updated 3 months ago · Published on 14 Jul 2026 4:19PM

‘Geng Upik’ kingpin charged with money laundering over RM800,000
Datuk Maslan Sani, alleged leader of organised crime group Geng Upik, has been charged with nine counts of money laundering involving more than RM800,000 (Photo from NSTP) - July 14, 2026

THE alleged leader of organised crime group Geng Upik, Datuk Maslan Sani, has been brought before the Sessions Court here on nine charges of money laundering involving proceeds exceeding RM800,000.

Maslan, 42, who is currently serving a five-year prison sentence linked to his involvement with the criminal organisation, pleaded not guilty after the charges were read before Sessions Court Judge Zaini Fishir @ Fisal.

He was accused of receiving proceeds from unlawful activities through deposits made into two bank accounts under his name, involving nine separate transactions totalling more than RM800,000.

The alleged amounts involved were RM5,500, RM20,000, RM175,090, RM33,990, RM4,170, RM29,900, RM284,400, RM139,700 and RM129,200.

The offences were allegedly committed between January and December 2016 at several CIMB Bank branches in Kota Kinabalu, Tawau and Lahad Datu.

Maslan faces charges under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLA), which carries penalties under the same legislation.

If convicted, he could face imprisonment of up to 15 years and a fine of at least five times the value of the proceeds of unlawful activity or the instrument involved at the time of the offence, or RM5 million, whichever amount is higher.

The court has fixed 11 August for case management before further proceedings.

No bail application was made as Maslan remains in custody while serving his existing five-year prison sentence imposed by the High Court.

On 5 June 2025, the High Court sentenced Maslan to five years’ imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to being a member of Geng Upik, an organised crime group alleged to have operated between 2015 and 2023.

He was accused of serving as the leader of the group.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohd Ashrof Adrin Kamarul led the prosecution, while Maslan was represented by lawyers Abdul Fikry Jaafar Abdullah and Mohd Azhier Farhan Arisin. - July 14, 2026

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