RM100 million embezzlement: 2 more suspects nabbed

An Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry officer and a company director are the latest suspects to be detained to facilitate investigations into a group which misappropriated government funds of more than RM100 million.

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) director (investigations) Datuk Azam Baki said the suspects, aged 41 and 31, were nabbed Wednesday evening at the MACC headquarters after being summoned to have their statements recorded.

He told Bernama that prior to this, the 41-year-old officer had worked at the Youth and Sports Ministry before he was transferred to the Agriculture and Agro-based Ministry, a month ago.

He said the suspects were remanded for seven days to shed light on the misappropriation of funds.

In a related development, Azam said the remand of the main suspected mastermind and seven other people would be extended after their detention period ends today.

Meanwhile, he said a woman, one of the suspects in the case, would be released on bail today.

Last Friday, the MACC detained nine people, including a youth and sports ministry division secretary who allegedly received about RM20 million in bribes.

The 56-year-old senior officer, together with eight other individuals, including a woman, were detained by MACC on suspicion of masterminding a syndicate to misappropriate government funds worth RM107 million.