Graft probe: MACC to propose criminal charges against senior army officers

The MACC will propose criminal charges against at least three very senior officers of the armed forces, who had been the subject of its investigations into alleged corruption involving military procurement and funding.

This was in relation to an ongoing case that it had opened against former army chief Hafizuddeain Jantan and a separate investigation that involved several other senior military officers.

Addressing a press conference today, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said its investigating officers have been told to wrap up their probes by next week and submit their findings to the deputy public prosecutor.

"I will inform the media immediately if charges are to be brought against suspects in these cases.

"For the first case, we might propose charges against one or two suspects, while for the second, against at least two individuals.

"All of them are military officers," he told reporters at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya.

Azam also did not dismiss the possibility of more suspects being charged, saying it is up to the deputy public prosecutor to decide.

Last week, MACC remanded Hafizuddeain and his two wives to facilitate an investigation into allegations of corruption involving military procurement projects.

In addition to Hafizuddeain and his spouses, another couple linked to the case was also detained and remanded.

Arrests and seizures

To date, the MACC has detained a total of 23 individuals in relation to the case and recorded the statements of 30 witnesses.

Officers have seized assets worth RM11.4 million during their probe, which included RM4.4 million in cash, 26 luxury watches worth RM2.3 million, gold bars valued at RM2.5 million, and jewellery, among others.

It had also frozen 75 bank accounts that belonged to companies under investigation, with a total amount of RM32.5 million.

"The assets were seized at two locations. One is at a residence in Kuala Lumpur, which was said to be a safe house, and a house in Besut, Terengganu," Azam said.

The top anti-graft officer, however, declined to reveal further details when asked about the nature of the contracts and the magnitude of their budget.

More detained

Regarding the second case, Azam said they have arrested four senior military officers and nine civilians to facilitate an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of Armed Forces funds and corruption involving military procurement.

They include two "top senior officers" who were detained when they came to give statements earlier this week.

However, the two were not remanded as MACC only needed them to complete their final stage of investigation into the case, which began in October, Azam said.

"The investigation is almost complete, and insya Allah it can be wrapped up next week. The investigation paper must be submitted to the deputy public prosecutor the latest by next Friday," he said.

Azam said MACC has also recorded statements from 35 witnesses and seized various assets worth RM4.7 million, including a Mercedes A180 Class and a Toyota Vellfire, RM1.3 million in cash, and 66 gold plates worth RM1.7 million.

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