Lebanon firm asked to prove it owns seized jewellery
KUALA LUMPUR: The Lebanese jeweller that sued Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, demanding that she return its jewellery, has been asked to prove ownership of the items.
The company, Global Royalty, had, on June 26, sued Rosmah, who is former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s wife, after police confiscated some 12,000 pieces of jewellery, cash and valuables from residences linked to Najib in May in relation to a probe into 1Malaysia Development Bhd.
“We are gathering information from all parties. Those who claim they own the jewellery need to prove it,” said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun.
“If they can’t, and if there is a need for an investigation, we will do that. We will investigate those who claim they own the jewellery, including the Lebanese company. We will not investigate (only) Rosmah.
“Besides providing proof, they also need to cooperate with police as we need to record their statement.
“The items are now exhibits and under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001. Police are allowed to confiscate the items for a year for investigation.”
The identification process for the 44 pieces of jewellery worth US$14.79 million (RM61.55 million), allegedly sent to Rosmah by the Lebanese jeweller, was underway, Fuzi said.
It was reported that the government was ordered by the Kuala Lumpur High Court to file an affidavit to confirm the seizure of the 44 pieces of jewellery that allegedly belong to the Lebanese jeweller.
The affidavit is to confirm whether the 44 pieces of jewellery allegedly belonging to Global Royalty were part of the items seized by police during raids on premises linked to Najib.
The court ordered Rosmah to assist in the identification of the jewellery and prove whether the items had been seized.
Global Royalty said it sent the jewellery on Feb 10, including diamond necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets and a tiara, each worth between US$124,000 and US$925,000.
It claimed that Rosmah, in a letter dated May 22, acknowledged receiving the items.
In the suit, Global Royalty sought a declaration from the court that it is the rightful owner of the 44 pieces of jewellery.