Gov't seizes over RM600k from Riza Aziz in 1MDB forfeiture suit
- UPDATED 12.28PM | Added details on the main forfeiture suit against Riza Aziz and the 17 other accused.
As part of the recent deal linked to Riza Aziz' discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) in a 1MDB-linked money laundering case, the Kuala Lumpur High Court allowed the government to seize over RM600,000 from the Hollywood movie producer.
Judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan allowed the government to forfeit the mixed currencies that were seized from the home of Riza Aziz, his stepfather and former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak, and his mother Rosmah Mansor.
- UPDATED 12.28PM | Added details on the main forfeiture suit against Riza Aziz and the 17 other accused.
As part of the recent deal linked to Riza Aziz' discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) in a 1MDB-linked money laundering case, the Kuala Lumpur High Court allowed the government to seize over RM600,000 from the Hollywood movie producer.
Judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan allowed the government to forfeit the mixed currencies that were seized from the home of Riza Aziz, his stepfather and former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak, and his mother Rosmah Mansor.
The judge's ruling today is in relation to a RM31 million 1MDB forfeiture suit against Riza Aziz and 17 other defendants.
Among the other defendants were Najib and Rosmah.
Today's ruling allowed the government to forfeit RM537,000, £2,700 and 2.87 million Sri Lanka rupees that were seized on May 17, 2018.
During open court proceedings this morning, DPP Faten Hadni Khairuddin informed Zaini that following the recent DNAA in a separate court, Riza Aziz has agreed for the Malaysian government to forfeit the monies in Malaysia and the United States.
“The third respondent Riza Shahriz Abdul Aziz was recently granted a DNAA from Amla (Anti-Money Laundering Act) charges (at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court) following an agreement with the prosecution for the property in the United States and Malaysia be forfeited.
“Among the properties is Item 3 (listing the three currencies) in the notice of motion (of the 1MDB forfeiture suit against Riza Aziz).
“This property had been seized. On that agreement, (the prosecution) seek to record before this court the forfeiture of the property,” Faten said.
Lawyers for Najib, Rosmah and Riza Aziz confirmed that they have no objection to the forfeiture.
Lawyer Syahirah Hanapiah acted for Najib, while lawyer Azrul Zulkifli Stork acted for Rosmah and Riza Aziz.
Recently, the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court granted Riza Aziz a DNAA in a 1MDB-linked US$248 million money laundering case, following an agreement between the accused and the government for US$107.3 million to be returned.
Meanwhile, during today’s proceedings, Zaini set Aug 24 for the hearing of the main suit against Riza Aziz and the other 17 defendants.
The court was also informed by Faten that the 6th, 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th respondents have not attended proceedings despite cause papers having been served on them.
They are namely Mohd Kyizzad Mesran, Yayasan Rakyat 1Malaysia, Yayasan Semesta, Yayasan Mustika Kasih, and Rembulan Kembara Sdn Bhd.
On May 9 last year, it was reported that the Attorney-General’s Chambers filed the notice of forfeiture in relation to the suit at the Criminal High Court Registrar’s Office in Kuala Lumpur the day earlier (May 8).
The notice of forfeiture, which named 18 individuals and companies, encompassed over hundreds of items, including branded handbags and 27 vehicles seized from accused.
The prosecution is seeking an order from the High Court to publish a notice under Section 61 (2) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, to summon any third party who claims to have any interest in the property to come before the court on the date specified in the notice to show cause as to why the property shall not be forfeited to the government.
Najib was named as the first respondent, followed by Rosmah, Riza Aziz, the couple’s children Nor Ashman Razak and Nooryana Najwa, as the second, third, fourth and fifth respondents.
The other respondents are Kyizzad, Senijauhar Sdn Bhd, Aiman Ruslan, Yayasan Rakyat 1Malaysia, Yayasan Semesta, Yayasan Mustika Kasih, Rembulan Kembara, Goh Gaik Ewe (the mother of fugitive businessperson Low Taek Jho), former Goldman Sachs banker Roger Ng, Ng’s wife Lim Hwee Bin, Kee Kok Thiam, Tan Vern Tact and Geh Choh Hun.
Kee, Tan and Geh are alleged associates of Jho Low.
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