MACC seizes RM3.1 mil in assets, nabs two men in visa racket

KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has frozen 20 bank accounts and seized assets valued at RM3.1 million believed to be owned by officials of an enforcement agency attached to the Malaysian High Commission in Bangladesh.

Bernama, quoting a source, reported that the two officers were detained on allegations of aiding Bangladesh nationals entering Malaysia.

The suspects, a man and a woman, had allegedly received bribes in return for issuing Malaysian visas to Bangladeshi tourists and workers. 

According to the source, the pair was arrested on April 17 after they presented themselves at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya for questioning. 

“MACC discovered several suspicious transactions into the bank accounts of the two suspects. They were then ordered to return to Malaysia (from Bangladesh) to assist in the probe.

“They have been remanded for three days beginning April 18.”

Meanwhile, Bernama reported MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki as confirming that the two officers had been placed under remand. 

The case is being investigated under Section 17(a) of the MACC Act and Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act. 

“I do not rule out the possibility that several other arrests will be made after this,” he said, adding that the anti-graft body is tracking down an individual named Siti Liyana Sakijan to assist in the probe. 

Those with information about the woman are urged to contact investigating officer Jayaraj Rajan at 016-637 1082.

Attempts to get comment from Wisma Putra on the matter were futile as of the time of publication. 

Today’s development comes hot on the heels of an investigation by MACC into alleged corruption involving a migrant workers’ recruitment contract. 

Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar has also been the subject of MACC questioning recently, while two of his officers and another businessman were arrested last week. 

They have been released on Monday following the end of their remand order. – The Vibes, April 20, 2023