Helicopters, Cars And Luxury Ship Worth RM 15.7 Million Seized From Cartel

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has seized more than 10 luxury cars, two helicopters and a yatch that estimated about RM 15.7 million, which belongs to a "Datuk" who was detained yesterday.

Based on reports, MACC also seized cash amounting to RM3.5 million in a raid on Monday at its residence.

Besides that, there are a total of 644 individual accounts and companies with an estimated RM100 million have been frozen to assist in the investigation of this case.

The modus operation of this cartel syndicate is performed with fully detailed information where more than 150 companies are opened and each individual whose name is used as a company director, is given a fee of between RM5,000 to RM8,000. The true reality which is the companies belong to the suspect.

"In addition, the MACC also seized bungalows, shophouses and offices estimated at RM29 million, all the Information early found that 114 individuals were used to open more than 150 companies. All of these companies will be used in turn to enter tenders and quotes in government ministries and agencies” he said here on Tuesday, April 4th, 2021. 

The tender and quotation information including project specifications and project ceiling prices will be channeled by individuals in ministries or agencies. To convince the tender board of the capabilities of companies to implement the project almost all information provided such as academic qualifications, professional certificates and financial statements are false.

This syndicate uses a tactic 'encircling price' where companies under the auspices of the suspect will enter the tender using different prices based on the predetermined ceiling price.

A senior officer of a government agency found to be involved in the cartel syndicate was also managed to arrest this morning. According to MACC Chief Commissioner, Datuk Seri Azam Baki, the individual is a grade 48 material surveyor. The suspect is involved in the preparation of the Bill of Quantities (BQ) for projects offered by the agency. 

The results of the investigation found that the suspect received a bribe of RM300,000 for information provided to the head of the syndicate. Overall, a total of RM1.2 million was given to the suspect. It is estimated that more individuals will be arrested throughout the investigation process.

Based on a source, the syndicate has commenced operations since 2014, and they had dominated 345 tenders from several government agencies and ministries nationwide with value reaching RM3.8 billion.

This case will be investigated under Section 17 and 18 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act.