‘Probe into seized items must be done by May 16’

KUALA LUMPUR: The investigation into items related to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal must be completed on or before May 16, InspectorGeneral of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said yesterday.

He said this was because the police had only until that date to hold on to the items, after which they would have to go through certain processes, including recommendations from the court before proceeding with the investigation.

“We have taken note of the duration of the investigation (on the seized items) and it is necessary to comply with the court process and complete it on or before May 16,” he said after the excellent service awards presentation at the Bukit Aman Senior Officers Mess here.

In May last year, police seized a number of items and documents from an apartment believed to be owned by former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak at Pavilion Residences here.

On June 27 last year, former Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Amar Singh Ishar Singh reportedly said the total value of the items seized in connection with the 1MDB case was between RM900 million and RM1.1 billion.

On efforts to locate controversial businessman Low Taek Jho or Jho Low who is linked to the 1MDB investigation, Fuzi said police were working with their international counterparts, including from China.

“Many (quarters) say Jho Low is in China, but we have yet to ascertain this as discussions (with the Chinese officials) are ongoing.”