Najib's RM27 mln SRC trial vacated to August

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's second trial over SRC International Sdn Bhd (SRC) funds where the former premier is facing three money-laundering charges involving RM27 million has been deferred to August this year.

His lawyer Nur Syahirah Hanapiah when contacted said the trial dates previously set by High Court Judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan in July this year have been vacated but the trial dates in August from 2 to 5 and 9 to 10 are maintained.

"The court also fixed additional trial dates for next year in March on 7 to 10, 28 to 31 and in April from 11 to 14 and 25 to 28," said Nur Syahirah after the case management before High Court deputy registrar Catherine Nicholas today.

The trial was originally fixed on July 5 to 8; July 12 to 15 and July 26 to 29 this year.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohd Ashrof Adrin Kamarul when contacted confirmed that the trial dates in August are maintained and the court has fixed July 16 for another case management.

On Feb 3, 2019 Najib pleaded not guilty to the three charges of money laundering whereby he is believed to have received money totalling RM27 million, allegedly proceeds from unlawful activities, in three AmPrivate Banking accounts belonging to him.

Najib is alleged to have committed the offences at AmIslamic Bank Berhad, Bangunan Ambank Group, No. 55, Jalan Raja Chulan, on July 8, 2014, under Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2001, which provides for a maximum fine of RM5 million or jail not exceeding five years or both, if convicted.

He was earlier charged in the Sessions Court but the case was transferred to the High Court on March 13, 2019 following an application by the prosecution.

On July 28, last year, High Court Judge Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali sentenced Najib to 12 years' jail and fined RM210 million after finding him guilty on seven charges of criminal breach of trust (CBT), money laundering and abuse of position, involving RM42 million of SRC funds.

The case is at the appeal stage at the Court of Appeal. The court has set May 18 to continue hearing Najib's appeal against the High Court's ruling.

-- BERNAMA