RM11 million sukuk for MEX II spent on crypto – MACC

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Azam Baki has said that some RM11 million in sukuk funds meant for the Maju Expressway extension (MEX II) was spent instead on cryptocurrency, which was then used to make certain purchases, Free Malaysia Today reports.

“We found that RM11 million was used as digital currency, and it was not spent on the MEX II project. We are now trying to trace how the money was brought out and how it was used,” he said today at a press conference, adding that 55 witness statements have been recorded and 14 bank accounts totalling RM156 million have been frozen.

“There will be no fewer than 10 more witnesses. I have directed my officers to complete the investigation paper within two months, although we may be able to wrap it up sooner,” said Azam.

According to FMT, hundreds of millions in sukuk funds were suspected to have been channelled to a company owned by a corporate figure with a Tan Sri title. The funds were then allegedly transferred to multiple entities, including proxy companies and the personal account of the Tan Sri’s wife, and used to buy real estate, luxury vehicles and goods, as well as to fund gambling activities.

RM11 million sukuk for MEX II spent on crypto – MACC

In its probe, the anti-graft agency has reportedly seized a luxury condominium and a plot of land valued at RM24.5 million, nine vehicles (RM7.6 million), luxury watches (RM25 million), designer handbags (RM3 million), jewellery and diamonds (RM6 million), four horses (RM400,000), and premium alcoholic beverages (RM3 million).

The Tan Sri has already been questioned, and Azam said he would not be called in again for now. “My officers are satisfied with the initial statements recorded. We are currently completing the investigation paper, and will be taking formal statements from the banks involved,” he said.

On previous reports that RM20 million in sukuk funds for the project had been spent on gambling, Azam said the actual amount was likely to be higher than that. “It’s more than RM20 million. I don’t really understand the gambling aspect, but I was informed by my investigating officer that it involved casinos and such.”

The 18-km MEX II is supposed to connect Putrajaya via the existing Maju Expressway (MEX, or E20) to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Construction of the open-toll, three-lane dual carriageway project began in early 2017 and was supposed to finish in December 2019.

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