Probe into 1MDB beneficiaries ongoing, says IGP

KUALA LUMPUR: Investigations to identify those who received money linked to 1Malaysia Development Bhd are ongoing, says Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun.

“So, statements will be taken in stages.

“This is ongoing and intensive investigations are underway,” the Inspector-General of Police told reporters after attending a handing over of duties ceremony at the Police Training Centre (Pulapol) here yesterday,

So far, police have identified more than 50 people who are believed to have received money from 1MDB-linked funds.

On an unrelated matter, former members of the the Special Task Force for Anti-Vice, Gaming and Gangsterism (STAGG), Special Task Force on Organised Crime (Stafoc) and Special Tactical Intelligence Narcotics Group (STING) are expected to be fully absorbed into different departments by the end of the year.

“We have over 600 officers and personnel. Of that number, 167 have been sent to other departments.

“We have 10 departments cur- rently and we are seeing which ones require bolstering.

“For example, we want to bolster the Commercial Crime Investigation Department, especially in areas involving ICT and those investigating Macau scams. This is something that needs our attention right now,” Mohamad Fuzi said.

In June, Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced the disbandment of the teams.

STAGG was formed with the aim of catching the “big fish” involved local as well as international vice and gambling syndicates.

Stafoc’s role was to go after underworld kingpins and those involved in gangsterism and other serious crimes while STING targeted drug syndicates and drug barons.