Inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar has declined to comment on the US Department of Justice's (DOJ) damning civil suits which, among others, implicated Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's stepson Riza Aziz in efforts to siphon funds from 1MDB.

"I don't want to comment because it is a civil proceeding... We were not consulted, we have not been informed. No comment," Khalid said at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

He added that police were only involved in criminal matters, and that anyone can bring up civil cases in court.

The DOJ had in its civil suit claimed that more than US$3.5 billion of 1MDB funds had been misappropriated.

It is seeking to seize more than US$1 billion worth in assets allegedly acquired using these funds.

Meanwhile the top cop said police will question Riza, and Penang-born tycoon Jho Low.

"We are investigating. This is all under our investigations. It is our responsibility. When we are done we will submit to the AG."

Khalid said the first phase of the investigation – scrutinising documents and recording statements from witnesses in the country – was nearly over.

He said the police would soon start the second phase, that is sending investigators overseas to obtain documents and record the testimonies of witnesses who are abroad.

Police had initiated their probe into 1MDB three months ago following the release of the Public Accounts Committee's report on the state investment firm.

 

Related reports

It’s official – the 1MDB money was stolen

US$731m siphoned from 1MDB to 'Malaysian Official 1' account, says DOJ

Malaysian gov’t will cooperate with US lawsuits on 1MDB

US delivers a tight slap in the face to M’sian authorities

1MDB says it didn't benefit from items listed in US suit

Red Granite denies 'knowingly used' stolen funds for film

US Justice Dept goes after 1MDB-linked assets; snap polls blizzard in Penang

Minister: Don't rush to judgment on 1MDB crackdown in US

Properties, jet, litany of assets listed in US Justice Dept lawsuits

'M'sians defrauded on enormous scale, 1MDB funds used to pay gambling debts'

Poser over 'Malaysian Official 1' in DOJ's civil lawsuits

‘Surely, Najib won’t accuse golf buddy Obama of conspiracy'

No escape for Najib’s 1MDB troupe

Goldman Sachs under spotlight in Malaysian fund scandal