Individual, company accounts worth RM40 million frozen in gambling fund probe by MACC

SHAH ALAM - A total of RM40 million worth of individual and company accounts have been frozen in connection with an investigation into bribery by a gambling company to several prominent individuals recently.

The action was taken by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) following the arrest of 13 individuals, including a Tan Sri and a Datuk Seri, conducted earlier.

Sources revealed that the MACC is currently tracking several individuals believed to be in neighboring countries and a European country since a week ago.

"The names of these individuals may be revealed if they continue to refuse to cooperate with the investigation.

"Various trivial reasons have been given, including needing to be abroad to attend meetings.

"The MACC may seek assistance from Interpol to locate them if they still refuse to return," it said according to a quote in Utusan.

The report further said so far, the arrests also involve a gambling company operator in Penang.

"The 68-year-old suspect has been remanded for three days for further investigation into the case.

"The arrest of the individuals brings the total to 14 individuals detained so far," it added.

Yesterday, local media reported that the MACC is tracing several individuals, including political leaders, in relation to a case involving receiving funds from several gambling companies for use during the 15th General Election (GE15), GE14, and state elections involving six states previously.

The funds worth RM6 million to RM7 million are believed to have been received by prominent figures and political leaders after the gambling company was granted a license to operate slot machine activities in private clubs and associations owned by the company operating the gambling machines.