KUALA LUMPUR (May 22): The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has frozen over 100 bank accounts containing RM217 million linked to a prominent corporate figure with the title of ‘Tan Sri’, in relation to a probe into alleged abuse of power and money laundering involving a government-linked company (GLC).

According to MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, the investigation pertains to the ‘Tan Sri’ being suspected of abuse of power as well as money laundering.

In relation to the investigation, over 100 bank accounts linked to the ‘Tan Sri’, his family members and associated companies, with funds amounting to RM217 million, have been frozen, Azam said in a press conference on Thursday.

The suspected laundered proceeds are linked to an investment or contract involving a Brazilian company, which made its way to Malaysia through several offshore companies, Azam said.

The offshore companies are controlled by two Malaysians, he added, who are believed to have acted as proxies.

Azam said the MACC will be reaching out to several foreign countries — with Brazil, Singapore and the Netherlands identified thus far — to trace the money trail of the suspected laundered funds from its source to Malaysian shores.

“We need time [to investigate] this money laundering case because it involves foreign countries,” he noted.

To date, the MACC has recorded the statements of five individuals, including the aforementioned ‘Tan Sri’, according to Azam. An additional 13 individuals are expected to be called to assist in the investigation.

Two investigation papers have been opened over the matter, Azam noted, one under the MACC Act 2009 in relation to corruption, and another under Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 on the suspected money laundering offence.