THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is investigating a prominent corporate figure with the title "Tan Sri" over alleged involvement in money laundering activities linked to the ownership of Sapura Energy Bhd (SEB) shares valued at more than RM500 million.
Sources said the anti-graft body recorded the Tan Sri’s statement at its headquarters in Putrajaya on May 5 and May 6.
The source also said the anti-graft agency is also investigating alleged elements of corruption involving several investments after Sapura Kencana Petroleum Bhd and Sapuracrest Petroleum Bhd were merged to form SEB.
Searches were carried out at several locations, including Sapura@Mines, Menara Permata Sapura, home to Sapura Holdings Sdn Bhd, and the individual's residences in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.
"No arrests have been made so far," the source said, adding that investigation papers have been opened.
"The investigations point towards elements of corruption involving investments following the merger of SapuraKencana Petroleum Bhd and Sapuracrest Petroleum Bhd, which later became known as SEB," the source said.
“The investigation is also looking into alleged criminal breach of trust, misappropriation of funds and fraud, which are offences under the Penal Code,” the source said, adding that 83 bank accounts, with a value of about RM158.26 million, owned by five people and 15 companies have been frozen.
"The focus of the investigation points towards offences under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009, related to the offence of using office or position for gratification such as salary bonuses and shares, branding fees and private placements from 2012 to 2021,".
MACC is also investigating whether there is criminal breach of trust, misappropriation of funds, and forgery.
On March 14, the MACC opened two investigation papers following reports of alleged money laundering and misappropriation linked to Sapura Energy when the company was known as Sapura Kencana Petroleum Bhd.
On March 20, graft busters visited Sapura Energy's office at Menara PNB in relation to the two investigations. – May 8, 2025
