PUTRAJAYA (June 25): The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) believes that about RM11 million of proceeds from the RM1.3 billion sukuk to help fund the 18km Maju Expressway Extension (MEX II) project, were invested in digital currency before it was spent on unknown expenses.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki told the media at a press conference on Wednesday, they found that around RM11 million, suspected to be from the issued sukuk proceeds, had been converted into digital currency and used for certain expenses. They are now tracking how the money was withdrawn and used.
The investigation is expected to be completed within two months, he added.
Azam said the MACC has questioned 55 people so far, pertaining to the case, with 10 more to come.
The anti-graft body has also frozen 32 bank accounts, holding RM156 million — 14 from individuals and 18 from companies.
The MACC has also seized assets like handbags, jewellery, luxury cars, watches, cash, and a luxury home, worth around RM32 million.
Last month, the MACC said it had launched three investigations into the MEX II project, involving bribery and false claims.
This includes RM361 million in fake claims, RM416 million in false disclosures tied to sukuk funds and loans, and RM12 million in suspected bribes.
The false claims are linked to the RM1.3 billion sukuk issued in 2016 to fund the project.
The sukuk was issued by MEX II Sdn Bhd, owned by Maju Holdings Sdn Bhd, which also owns Maju Expressway Sdn Bhd — the operator of the 26km MEX Highway linking Kuala Lumpur to Putrajaya and Cyberjaya.