Faktain News – PUTRAJAYA Malaysian authorities are poised to press charges against at least two high-ranking officers from the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) as early as next week following an extensive corruption probe. This revelation came from Tan Sri Azam Baki Chief Commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) during a press conference today.

The MACC investigation centers on a case involving a former Army Chief with 23 individuals already apprehended in connection with the ongoing inquiry. Azam stated that investigations linked to the former Army Chief are expected to conclude and be handed over to the public prosecutor this Monday. He affirmed his directive to investigators to expedite the process ensuring investigation papers are prepared by Monday for submission to the Deputy Public Prosecutor for a charging decision.

“In this case at least one or two officers will be charged” Azam stated at the MACC Headquarters during an update on the high-profile military corruption investigation.

The MACC Chief disclosed that his agency has opened 22 investigation papers related to predicate offenses and one case specifically for money laundering. The probe is being conducted under Section 17(a) and Section 23 of the MACC Act which pertains to abuse of power and Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA) for money laundering offenses. A total of 30 witnesses have had their statements recorded in relation to these cases.

Massive Assets Seized in Corruption Crackdown

The scale of the alleged corruption became evident with the disclosure of substantial asset seizures. Azam revealed that approximately RM11.4 million in assets were confiscated from two residences including a clandestine property in Kuala Lumpur. Furthermore 75 company accounts holding a staggering RM32.5 million have been frozen.

The confiscated items paint a clear picture of alleged illicit wealth. These include RM4.4 million in cash RM1.4 million in various foreign currencies a Range Rover SVR luxury vehicle valued at RM360,000 and 26 high-end watches worth a combined RM2.3 million. Also seized were jewelry valued at RM294,039.90 two diamond rings worth RM20,000 gold bars weighing 3.7 kilograms valued at RM2.5 million a 150-gram gold medallion worth RM102,000 and two gold dinars weighing 8.5 grams valued at RM5,780.

Background to the High-Profile Probe

The investigation gained public attention when the former Army Chief along with his two wives was arrested by the MACC on January 7 in connection with army procurement tender projects. The former chief was subsequently remanded for seven days while his wives faced remand periods of three and six days respectively.

Earlier the MACC had indicated that the former Army Chief was scheduled to provide a statement on December 28 last year but was unable to do so due to hospitalization. The enforcement agency initiated its preliminary investigations into several army-related projects dating back to 2023 by visiting the Ministry of Defence on December 23.