Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has recovered or frozen assets exceeding RM8.4 billion (approximately $1.8 billion USD) through a series of high-profile investigations this year, targeting former officials, enforcement officers, and banking institutions.
MACC Investigations Target High-Profile Individuals
One major case involved Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, a former prime minister, following the seizure of currencies totaling over RM169 million, along with 16kg of gold bars and cash. The Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court approved the forfeiture of the seized money on Oct. 1 after no claims were made.
Crackdown on Enforcement and Banking Sectors
On Sept. 10, the MACC conducted “Ops Rentas” to address corruption and abuse of power among enforcement officers at international entry points. The operation resulted in 27 arrests, including 18 enforcement officers, and the freezing of 57 bank accounts worth approximately RM2.7 million.
“Ops Tiger” led to charges against 49 individuals, including current and former banking officers, between Nov. 7 and 26 for allegedly accepting bribes to facilitate housing loan approvals.
Smuggling and Money Laundering Operations Uncovered
The MACC also uncovered a scrap metal smuggling syndicate through “Ops Metal” on July 14, estimating export tax losses exceeding RM950 million. This operation, conducted with the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Inland Revenue Board, and Bank Negara Malaysia, seized assets worth over RM183 million.
“Ops Karen” on Sept. 2 resulted in the seizure of five vessels and 4.21 million litres of diesel in Sabah, valued at RM32.07 million, along with the freezing of RM25 million in bank accounts.
“Ops Grip,” carried out on Sept. 29, targeted a tyre smuggling syndicate and forgery of import/export documents, leading to the seizure of 17,672 tyres, six warehouses, and the freezing of approximately RM70 million in accounts.
Investigations Linked to Political Figures
The MACC launched “Ops Kembali” following a viral video involving Sofia Rini Buyong and businessman Albert Tei, concerning alleged bribery linked to Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, a former senior political secretary to the Prime Minister. Tei and Shamsul Iskandar were charged in court on Dec. 4 after being detained between Nov. 27 and 28.
“Ops Sky” resulted in charges against 16 individuals connected to banking institutions, the seizure of approximately 4,000 documents, and the freezing of 98 bank accounts valued at RM17.4 million.
Asset Seizures and Arrests
As of Nov. 30, the MACC recorded RM566.77 million in seizures under the MACC Act 2009 and RM6.26 billion under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, with an additional RM36.14 million in frozen assets.
During the same period, the MACC received 6,114 pieces of information, opened 966 investigation papers, arrested 1,128 individuals, filed 445 charges, and recorded 189 convictions.
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