This is the man who was once the ex-PM’s media adviser. Now, Paul Stadlen is facing money-laundering charges involving RM15mil.

Moves afoot to charge ex-PM’s adviser with money laundering

PUTRAJAYA: The move to charge ex-PM’s adviser Paul Stadlen ( pic) with money laundering will allow him to face extradition so that he can be tried here in Malaysia.

According to sources, the Attorney General’s Chambers will charge Stadlen with money laundering involving RM15mil in absentia either today or on Friday.

Stadlen had once served former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak as media adviser.

“Once he is charged, authorities will have a stronger reason to extradite him from his wherea- bouts,” said a source with knowledge of the case.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has been looking for Stadlen as a witness in 1MDB investigations.

The British-born Stadlen fled Malaysia when Barisan Nasional, led by Najib, lost power after the 14th General Election.

He had been working for Najib since he took office in 2009.

Sources said prominent lawyer Datuk Hafarizam Harun is believed to have committed money laundering jointly with Stadlen.

The 47-year-old Hafarizam will be charged at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court today.

Known for his work as Umno legal adviser, Hafarizam is said to have accepted money from Stadlen’s account.

It involved several cheques total- ling RM15mil believed to be from illegal activities, which were banked into his legal firm’s account.

The offence was said to have been committed between 2014 and 2015.

Hafarizam was arrested at the MACC headquarters at 4.25pm yesterday.

Confirming the arrest, MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Azam Baki said the suspect would be slapped with two charges under Section 4 (1) (a) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti- Terrorism Financing and Procceds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.