Datuk charged with RM13 mil money laundering, fraud

The former managing director of Tanjung Offshore Berhad pleaded not guilty to two counts fraud and money laundering at the Sessions court here today.

Datuk Harzani Azmi, 49, claimed trial to both charges, under Section 366 (1) (a) of the Companies Act 1965 and Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2001 involving the buying and selling of equity shares of a company worth more than RM34 million three years ago .

The Malaysian Anti Corruption Agency (MACC), in a media statement today, said under Section 366 (1) (a) of the Companies Act 1965, Harzani was charged with submitting a proposal titled "Proposed Acquisition of Remaining Shares in Gas Generators ( M ) Sdn Bhd”to Tanjung Offshore Berhad’s board on the purchase of 49 per cent shares of Gas Generators ( M ) Sdn Bhd .

The shares, owned by Appolusa Sdn Bhd was quoted at RM34.3 million when that the actual price was lower.

The offence carries a 10 years’ imprisonment, a RM250,000 fine or both upon conviction.

Under Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2001, Harzani allegedly instructed Mathews Hun Lachimanan law firm to transfer RM13.3 million between Nov 14, 2013 and Nov 27, 2013 to a client trust account in Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd.

He faces a maximum fine of RM5mil or five years in jail, or both, if convicted.

Sessions Court Judge Mohd Nasir Nordin set bail at RM200,000 for both charges with one surety and fixed March 23 for next mention.