‘Security personnel already spent RM2m of loot from PMO’
KUALA LUMPUR: The 17 security officers arrested for allegedly taking RM3.5 million from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), had spent RM2 million of their illgotten gains before they were busted.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Seri Azam Baki said the money, which were funds meant for the 14th General Election, had been used to buy cars, motorcycles, jewellery, electronic items and household goods, including furniture.
He said MACC had recovered only RM1.47 million.
“Based on our latest investigation, the security officers had spent more than RM2 million of the RM3.5 million taken.
“The cash was used to buy a variety of items, such as furniture and cars, all of which have been seized by MACC,” he said.
On Aug 8, the security officers at PMO were remanded for five days under Section 243 of the MACC Act 2009 to assist in the investigation into abuse of power and misappropriation of GE14 funds totalling RM3.5 million.
It is understood that among those arrested were a security officer (Grade KP52) and 16 security officers (Grade KP11), all aged between 31 and 51. They were based in Kompleks B of the PMO.
MACC has seized seven cars, 12 motorcycles, five rings, one bracelet, four necklaces, 11 mobile phones and electronic devices.
The cars comprised a Volkswagen Golf GTI , three Honda cars, a Subaru Impreza, a Toyota Vios and a Perodua Alza. The 12 motorcycles were from Yamaha and Honda.
The items are being valued. The security officers have been released on bail.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said police had yet to receive any report on the matter.
“To my knowledge, no reports have been made. The investigation is being handled by MACC,” he said.
Fuzi also lashed out at those who had claimed that police were involved in the incident.
“Some have said that policemen and police officers were involved. This involved police volunteers at the PM’s Office, not the Royal Malaysian Police,” he said.