Swiss AG meets Thomas on 1MDB

> Discussions focused on need for mutual commitment to rule of law

PETALING JAYA: Switzerland is investigating use of financing obtained by the Malaysian sovereign funds 1MDB and SRC International Sdn Bhd, earmarked for investment in economic development projects, said Swiss AttorneyGeneral Michael Lauber

Lauber said he discussed the coordination of the investigation into the 1MDB case with his counterpart Tommy Thomas.

“The main emphasis in the discussions during the official work visit was on the need to affirm a mutual commitment to the rule of law and the resumption of mutual legal assistance between the two jurisdictions,” he said in a statement after his official visit to Putrajaya yesterday, adding that former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak was not being investigated by his office. He said his office was investigating Petrosaudi, Tanjong/ Genting and ADMIC investment projects, as well as an SRC investment involving natural resources.

He said all or part of the financing obtained is alleged to have been used for other purposes, most particularly for personal enrichment.

“At this stage of the proceedings, six people are under investigation and two banks are suspected of involvement. The investigation was opened in response to reports from Money Laundering Reporting Office Switzerland (MROS) and the analysis of the MROS information carried out by his office,” said Lauber.

He said the criminal proceedings against the six were under the Swiss Criminal Code namely suspicion of bribery of foreign public officials, misconduct in public office, money laundering, criminal mismanagement, forgery of documents, suspicion of criminal mismanagement and fraud for commercial gain.

Lauber said given the international dimension of the case, numerous requests for mutual legal assistance had been sent, most notably to Malaysia, the US, Luxembourg and Singapore.

He added with regard to the value of assets seized, his office is unable to provide details.