KUALA LUMPUR (June 4): The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) on Tuesday said it is seeking information and assistance from the public to locate the whereabouts of businessman Ricky Wong Shee Kai.
There are two arrest warrants against Wong, the former chief executive officer of Asia Media Group Bhd, the SC said in a statement. He is currently wanted for charges under anti-money laundering law and the capital markets legislation, the regulator said.
“This search follows various arrest warrants against Wong who remains at-large, as well as past attempts to locate his whereabouts,” the regulator said.
The SC statement comes after Messrs Shafee & Co last Friday denied that Wong, who has been embroiled in a legal battle with the SC since 2019, is a fugitive. Wong’s lawyers did not immediately respond to The Edge's request for comments.
The Kuala Lumpur Magistrate’s Court had on Dec 27, 2019 issued a warrant of arrest against Wong for two charges under Section 32(8)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLA).
He failed to appear before an investigating officer of the SC as required under Section 32(2)(a) of the same act. If convicted, Wong would be liable to a fine not exceeding RM3 million, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, or to both, with the possibility of a continuing fine.
Subsequently, on Sept 29, 2021, the Kuala Lumpur Magistrate’s Court issued a second warrant of arrest against Wong for one charge under Section 369(b)(B) of the Capital Markets and Services Act 2007 for furnishing a false statement relating to Asia Media’s revenue to Bursa Malaysia.
Wong allegedly gave false statements on Asia Media’s revenue in its quarterly report on consolidated results for the fourth quarter ended Dec 31, 2015. If convicted, Wong would be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years and would also be liable to a fine not exceeding RM3 million.
Messrs Shafee & Co had insisted that their client was not wanted by the Malaysian authorities for any offence, but rather due to his alleged failure to provide a statement or assist with the SC’s investigations.
The firm also reiterated that Wong has consistently offered to provide a statement or assist with investigations remotely, but this has been knocked back by the SC.
In May, the Federal Court had dismissed an application by Wong for leave to appeal the High Court’s decision for him to attend civil court proceedings in person.
High Court judge Atan Mustaffa Yussof Ahmad rejected Wong’s request to appear via remote communication technology, ruling that it would disrupt the administration of justice as Wong is considered a fugitive.
Wong is also one of the defendants in a civil action brought by the SC on May 5, 2020 for allegedly contravening the Capital Markets and Services Act 2007 (CMSA) by using devices, schemes or artifices to defraud Bright Packaging Industry Bhd (KL:BRIGHT).
On May 20, 2024, Wong offloaded his stake in the company after selling 20 million shares, or a 9.74% stake in Bright Packaging Industry Bhd, and left with an indirect stake of 23.2%, or 47.63 million shares, in the company via Wong SK Holdings Sdn Bhd.
Wong's last known place of residence is No 5, Jalan Enak 2, Taman Gembira, 58200, Kuala Lumpur and his last business address is Asia Media Group Bhd, No 35, First Floor, Jalan Bandar 16, Pusat Bandar Puchong, 47100, Puchong, Selangor.
Members of the public who have any information on Wong’s whereabouts are urged to notify the SC at 012-6102593 or 012-6114657 or email the SC at [email protected].