June 11, 2024
SINGAPORE – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is on the hunt for a Singaporean believed to be the mastermind behind a RM3.5 billion (S$1 billion) tax evasion case, said Malaysian media.
The unnamed Singaporean is among three suspects involved in smuggling activities uncovered in Malaysia’s Port Klang and wanted by the MACC, reported Malaysia news agency Bernama.
In a press briefing on June 9, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said the Malaysian police will seek help from Singapore’s police to trace the suspect.
He said: “Our police have a cooperative relationship with the Singaporean police, so if the individual is in Singapore, we will seek their assistance.” The case does not require involvement from Interpol at the moment, he added.
Speaking to The Straits Times on June 10, MACC deputy chief commissioner for operations Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya said the agency has been in touch with its Singapore counterpart – the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau – and exchanging information linked to the Singaporean suspect.
He added that MACC is applying for mutual legal assistance with the Singapore Government, which is a necessary process for investigations involving foreign nationals.
He also said the suspect is believed to be out of Singapore and efforts are under way to track him down.
The Star reported on June 7 that seven individuals, including a company director and three enforcement officers, were detained for smuggling activities over the past decade and helping freight companies evade taxes.
They did so by allegedly making false declarations in Customs forms to avoid tax and import fees, which required permits from several agencies.
The suspects – two women and five men aged between 30 and 50 – were detained at various locations around Port Klang on June 6 by graft busters in an ongoing operation codenamed Ops Transit.
They were remanded for three days.
According to Bernama, a task force led by the MACC detained 19 container lorries suspected of carrying various types of smuggled goods on June 5.
The Straits Times has contacted the Singapore police for comment.
Additional reporting by Zunaira Saieed in Kuala Lumpur