[UPDATED] MYAirline: 15 accounts with almost RM5 mil in process of being frozen

PETALING JAYA – More than 15 bank accounts with amounts totalling almost RM5 million linked to the founder of low-cost airline MYAirline, suspected to be linked to money laundering activities, are being frozen, Bukit Aman’s Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) has reportedly confirmed.

Its director, commissioner Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf, said that all the accounts in question have been identified and action is being taken to freeze them.

The accounts are believed to belong to certain individuals and companies, Utusan Malaysia reported.

“This move to freeze them needs to go through several processes and will take some time,” he was quoted as saying.

Commenting further, he said that the remand of the man who is the founder of the airline was extended for two days until tomorrow.

The man’s wife and son, however, have been released, he said.

“The investigation continues and CCID has identified several more individuals who can testify to help the probe into the case,” Ramli was quoted as saying to Utusan Malaysia.

“It would be better if they come forward to cooperate to avoid any difficulties,” he added.

The Malay-language daily had reported yesterday that the authorities were identifying assets belonging to three related individuals, including the founder of the low-cost airline, suspected to be linked to money laundering.

Ramli had said yesterday that investigations had begun to trace assets, bank accounts or property acquired through the activities.

“We are also looking into the modus operandi used by the suspects to collect illegal deposits,” he said.

“Investigations will also involve identifying the type of crime involved, including how they procured the deposits.”

The co-founder of the local airline, who bears the title of “Datuk”, was arrested along with his wife and son late afternoon on October 17.

According to police, the three were detained to facilitate investigations under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (Amla).

The Datuk, 57, who is also a shareholder of MYAirline Sdn Bhd, along with his wife, 55, and son, 26, were arrested at their residence in Shah Alam at 5.30pm on Tuesday.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke had announced the day before that the operating licence of MYAirline would be temporarily suspended.

The company had suspended its flight operations from October 12 until further notice due to significant financial pressures.

Loke had then assured that the priority is to ensure that consumer rights are protected, that all passengers are duly compensated for the inconveniences, and the welfare of the airline’s 500 employees is addressed. – The Vibes, October 22, 2023