RICH AND INFAMOUS
RM3.5m cash and RM29m in properties seized by MACC from ‘Datuk’ businessman who led tender cartel
LUXURY vehicles, a yacht, helicopters and millions in cash were among items seized by MACC when they raided the house of a head of a syndicate that had a monopoly over govt tenders. A senior govt officer has also been arrested in connection with the case.
THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) found RM3.5 million cash during a raid at the house of a suspect who headed a cartel that dealt principally in government project tenders that was crippled on Sunday night.
The 47-year-old businessman with a “Datuk” title was said to have amassed an extraordinary amount of wealth and assets, including a luxury yacht and two helicopters.
This was uncovered by MACC investigators as the probe into the cartel intensified.
Sources close to the investigations said RM15.7 million worth of luxury vehicles, including several Mercedes-Benz models and Range Rovers, were seized.
A source said RM29 million worth of properties, such as bungalows, shop houses and offices, were also seized.
“A total of 644 accounts, belonging to individuals and companies, worth about RM100 million, were also frozen.
“The wealth amassed by the Datuk, who is the head of the syndicate, is extraordinary.”
It was reported that the MACC crippled the cartel with the arrest of seven individuals, including its mastermind, in an operation on Sunday.
The suspects were said to have monopolised 354 tenders from several ministries and government agencies nationwide, involving projects worth RM3.8 billion.
The syndicate, said to be in operation since 2014, is believed to have used more than 150 companies to submit tenders or quotations to ministries and agencies.
The head of the syndicate created 150 different companies by employing several individuals as directors of companies that in fact belonged to the suspect.
The syndicate targets facility maintenance and development projects.
The source said investigations revealed that all the companies had provided false information on academic qualifications, professional certifications and financial statements to convince the tender board about their capabilities in implementing projects.