Op Metal: MACC Records 27 Statements, Freezes Bank Accounts Worth RM150 Mln

GEORGE TOWN, July 21 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has recorded the statements of 27 witnesses following operations against scrap metal and e-waste smuggling syndicates operating in five states, which are believed to have paid bribes to enforcement officers, resulting in an estimated tax revenue loss of over RM950 million to the government.

According to sources, those who had their statements recorded included the male suspect believed to hold a “Datuk” title, who is also a businessman, and believed to be involved in the activities. His statement was recorded today, and no arrests have been made so far.

"As of today, the MACC has frozen a total of 324 bank accounts, namely 142 belonging to companies and 182 to individuals, involving almost RM150 million in value, with seizures worth approximately RM183 million.

“In total, the value of seized assets and frozen accounts now exceeds RM332 million,” the sources said.

Meanwhile, MACC Special Operations Division senior director Datuk Mohamad Zamri Zainul Abidin, when contacted, confirmed this and said that it is still identifying the suspects involved with the syndicate.

Mohamad Zamri said the MACC is now reviewing the financial sources of the suspects and the companies under investigation, in cooperation with agencies such as the Inland Revenue Board (IRB), Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).

"In addition to investigations under Sections 16 and 18 of the MACC Act 2009 and money laundering offences by the MACC, investigations are also being carried out under the Income Tax Act 1967 and the Customs Act 1967 by the relevant agencies involved in this operation,” he said.

On July 14, Bernama reported that the MACC launched a major crackdown on scrap metal smuggling syndicates operating across five states, believed to have bribed enforcement officers to evade taxes, resulting in over RM950 million in revenue losses for the government.

It involved seven raids in Selangor, six in Penang, four in Kedah and one each in Negeri Sembilan and Johor, involving residences, offices, and scrap metal storage and processing centres believed to be involved in the smuggling operation.

The raids, carried out by the MACC’s Special Operations Division in collaboration with JKDM, IRB and BNM under the Multi-Agency Task Force (MATF) via Op Metal, also froze 45 company accounts and 82 individual bank accounts involving a total value of about RM51 million.

The seized assets included eight properties in Penang, namely three bungalows in Batu Maung, a penthouse in Tanjung Tokong, a shop lot in Bayan Lepas, 31 acres of land in Nibong Tebal, 7.1 acres in Batu Uban and 5.6 acres in Juru, as well as more than 1,960 acres of oil palm plantation land in Kuala Krai, Kelantan.

The MACC also seized six luxury vehicles comprising a Porsche Cayenne, Range Rover, BMW, Volvo, Toyota Land Cruiser and Toyota Alphard - altogether valued at over RM1.9 million.

During the raid, the MACC also confiscated five branded watches, namely a Patek Philippe, Tag Heuer, Rolex, Omega Speedmaster and Omega Seamaster, valued at more than RM740,000.

It is understood that most of the seized assets, luxury vehicles and branded watches belonged to a foreign man who owns a scrap metal company and resides in an upscale neighbourhood in Batu Maung, which was raided under Op Metal.

During the raid, the individual, who holds a “Datuk” title, was not at home and was believed to be abroad on business. He returned to Penang on Wednesday (July 16) before the MACC recorded his statement today.

-- BERNAMA