Nine additional individuals implicated in the MEX II corruption case, with Azam Baki leading the list.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has been active in recent months, exposing several syndicates and bringing charges against numerous individuals and entities. Here's a roundup of the latest developments:
Op Sky Exposure
Earlier this year, MACC uncovered Op Sky, a syndicate that exploited the financial needs of schools, particularly in rural areas, under the guise of providing financial knowledge. The investigations are ongoing, and the fate of six civilians arrested in connection with the case is still under review by the Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) to determine if charges can be brought.
Op Sohor and the Military-Linked Smuggling Syndicate
In a separate operation, Op Sohor, a military-linked smuggling syndicate, saw the arrest of 11 individuals, five senior military officers and six civilians. Four of the senior officers arrested will be charged in court, and a disciplinary report will be submitted to the Defence Ministry (Mindef) against the remaining officer for possible disciplinary action or a court martial.
Maju Expressway Extension Project (MEX II) Corruption Case
The MACC announced that nine more individuals will be prosecuted in connection with the Maju Expressway Extension Project (MEX II) corruption case. These individuals, which include several government officials and contractors, will be charged by the end of this month, although specific names have not been publicly disclosed yet.
Charges Against Tan Sri Abu Sahid and Datuk Yap Wee Leong
Datuk Yap Wee Leong will face 18 charges, nine of which are under Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009 involving RM209 million. He will also face charges under Section 40(1)(b)(B) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act 2001 involving RM387 million. Tan Sri Abu Sahid will face a second prosecution with seven charges under Section 403 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 109 of the Penal Code.
Bank Officers and Bribery Allegations
About 20 bank officers are expected to be charged in court for allegedly receiving bribes. The investigations into these bank officers have been completed and referred to the DPP. A recovery process amounting to RM250 million is underway in relation to the bank officers, and the charges against them will be made by the end of this month or in the first week of October.
Possible Prosecution for Refusing Recovery
If there is no settlement for the RM250 million, certain parties may face prosecution for refusing recovery, either under Section 41 of the MACC Act 2009 or the Anti-Money Laundering Act 2001.
The MACC Chief Commissioner, Tan Sri Azam Baki, stated that the nine individuals involved in the Maju Expressway Extension Project corruption case will be charged in court for their involvement in this case. The dates for the charges against Tan Sri Abu Sahid and Datuk Yap Wee Leong will be set by the DPP in the near future. The cases of the six civilians arrested in Op Sohor are still under the DPP's review to determine whether they can be charged.
