Rosmah SUED for RM60m
PETALING JAYA: A jewellery firm has filed a RM60 million suit against Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, wife of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak, over 44 pieces of jewellery sent to her, but which have since been seized by police.
Beirut-based Lebanese jewellery firm Global Royalty Trading said in its statement of claim that the jewellery, comprising a tiara, diamond necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings with prices ranging from US$124,000 to US$670,000 (RM498,000 to RM2.6 million) had been hand-delivered to Rosmah on Feb 10.
In the suit filed at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on June 26, the firm said the jewellery valued at US$14.79 million (RM59.49 million), was sent to Rosmah for her to choose those she wanted to purchase.
The firm, which is known for
supplying jewellery to royalty and the wealthy around the world, said Rosmah had stated in a letter on May 22 that the items she received had been seized by the authorities.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said yesterday police have not received any formal request from Rosmah or anyone else for the return of the valuables seized during raids related to investigations into 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
“We have laws and this matter could involve court proceedings because it is related to the 1MDB investigations. If Rosmah or whoever else claims ownership over the seized valuables, it is better for them to follow the law and file a formal request for the return of their properties,” he said.
In an immediate response, Rosmah’s lawyers said the jewellery were only meant for her to view and not purchase.
“We would like to stress that all of the jewellery itemised in Global Royalty’s statement of claim were sent to our client for her viewing, and none was purchased,” Rosmah’s lawyers Datuk K. Kumaraendran and Datuk Geethan Ram Vincent said in a statement.
“The allegations being spread that the jewellery were purchased, and that too bought using stolen funds, is therefore completely baseless and untrue,” they said, adding that they will be taking necessary action for Rosmah.
Global Royalty claimed Rosmah was a long-standing customer and that it would send a variety of jewellery to her on request.
The firm said Rosmah would sometimes borrow the pieces, with the receiving party being herself or her agent in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Dubai. The firm claimed she previously paid on her own or through a third party.
The firm is seeking a court declaration that it is the rightful owner of the 44 items.
It is also seeking a mandatory order for the items to be returned, failing which, Rosmah is required to pay an amount based on the value of the items.
Rosmah will have to file her defence on or before July 23 as case management has been set for July 27.