KUALA LUMPUR: The money laundering case involving Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's former media adviser, Paul Stadlen, has been withdrawn after he agreed to voluntarily release RM7,192,873.84 to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
The Malaysian Anti -Corruption Commission (MACC), in a statement today, said the money would be transferred into 1MDB's account.
According to the commission, based on an agreement by the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC), a settlement had been agreed, involving Stadlen and UMNO legal adviser, Datuk Mohd Hafarizam Harun, who had been charged with money laundering, involving RM15 milliojn.
"The matter was decided after taking into account that the amount justified to be forfeited. As such, the case against Stadlen was withdrawn.
"The Attorney-General's Chambers also decided that compound action under Section 92 (1) of Act 613 (Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, amounting to RM590,587.26 be imposed on Mohd Hafarizam after taking into account reasonable grounds, including withdrawal of the case against Stadlen.
"The charges against Mohd Hafarizam were withdrawn after the compound was paid," it said.
Stadlen was charged in absentia in the Magistrate's Court here on Feb 20, 2019, with two counts of money laundering amounting to RM15 million.
The second charge was for allegedly ordering the transfer of RM6,139,078.34, which were proceeds from unlawful activities, through 16 transactions, from the account of the same legal firm to several individuals and companies between January and August, 2015.
Both the charges were framed under Section 4 (1) (b) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds from Unlawful Activities 2001, which provides an imprisonment for up to 15 years and shall also be liable to a fine of not less than five times the sum or value of the proceeds from unlawful activities, or RM5 million, whichever is higher, upon conviction.
Today, the Sessions Court here acquitted and discharged Mohd Hafarizam on the three money laundering charges which he allegedly received from Najib.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Fri Jul 30 2021
The money laundering case involving Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's former media adviser, Paul Stadlen, has been withdrawn after he agreed to voluntarily release RM7,192,873.84 to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). - Astro AWANI
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.
Elon Musk blasts Australia's planned ban on social media for children
Several countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, but Australia's policy could become one of the most stringent.