POLITICS: KUALA LUMPUR-1MDB : RM2.973 billion deposited into Najib’s personal account

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KUALA LUMPUR: Police investigations into 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) has revealed that USD972 million (RM2.973 billion) was transferred into former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s Amislamic Bank personal account.

In revealing this, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Noor Rashid Ibrahim said the deposits were were made in three phases.

“The money were transferred into his account by three companies, namely Good Star, AABAR and Tanore. “Police also detected 132 transactions of illegal funds connected to 1MDB to more than 50 recipients comrpising Malaysians and foreigners, and further investigations are ongoing,” he told a press conference today at Bukit Aman police headquarters on the development of 1MDB investigations.

Noor Rashid said statements have been recorded from 64 witnesses including Najib, his daughter Nooryana Najwa and several other individuals to help in investigations.

“The investigations involve local and overseas witnesses and it is very difficult because it requires the cooperation of affected countries for it to be completed,” he said in a press conference on the development of the investigations into 1MDB at Bukit Aman, here today.

When asked whether Malaysian politicians were among the 50 recipients, he replied: “Quite a number are politically affiliated.”

He said the Anti-Money Laundering crime investigation team under the Inspector-General of Police secretariat, had opened an investigation paper on 1MDB under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLA) 2001 on May 17.

He said acting on a report at Dang Wangi district police headquarters, police raided five premises and seizures were made under Section 45(2) of AMLA 2001.

He said among the items seized were RM114 million cash including foreign currency; 12,080 units of jewellery; 566 bags; 437 watches and 234 glasses in various brands.

“The seizures were made as we have reasonable cause and believe that the items were purchased using 1MDB money.

“Under the provision of AMLA 2001, police are allowed to seize movable and immovable assets for a year for investigation purposes,” he stressed.

Noor Rashid said as of now, the owners of the items seized have yet to come forward to reclaim their valuables.

“Following this, police today served notices to the owners under Section 32 of AMLA 2001 to request them to give statements to our investigating officers.

“We expect them to come to us in two, three days,” he said.

He said police were working closely with several countries to assist in investigations.

“AMLA is in the process of collecting evidence and in the midst of calling in Malaysian and foreign witnesses to assist in the case.

“Although this is a difficult case as it involves international authorities, we are confident we can complete investigations within a year,” he said.