OP HEART: MACC INSPECTS, SEARCHES OFFICE AND RESIDENCE OF IJM TOP MANAGEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 21 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) conducted inspections and searches at four separate locations in its investigation into the Op Heart case involving IJM Corporation Bhd (IJM), yesterday.

According to a source, the inspections and searches in the investigation into corporate governance issues, procurement processes, financial transactions and ownership of assets abroad estimated to be worth about RM2.5 billion were carried out, including at the residence and office of one of IJM's top management.

“At the same time, MACC also froze 55 private bank accounts and related company accounts estimated at approximately RM15.8 million.

“In addition, the investigation is also focusing on efforts to trace and seize other assets suspected to have been obtained through money laundering activities,” he said.

According to the source, the recording of statements from the two top management of the companies involved, which began yesterday, will continue today and five more witnesses will be called to record their statements.

“To date, a total of nine recorded statements have been taken, including those of the two top management of the companies involved,” he said.

Meanwhile, MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed that the investigation is being conducted under Section 16 of the MACC Act 2009 and Section 4 (1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA 2001).

MACC was previously reported to be focusing on allegations involving IJM based on internal sources saying that a top management member with the title of Tan Sri and an advisor were identified as persons of interest.

-- BERNAMA