Shafee’s trial for money laundering, false statements postponed to next month

The trial involving lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, who is facing money laundering charges involving RM9.5 million allegedly received from former prime minister Najib Razak as well as charges of making false statements to the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) will continue on Aug 27 at the Kuala Lumpur High Court.

Shafee’s counsel, Harvinderjit Singh, said the hearing of the case, which was supposed to enter its third day today, was postponed as his client is under self-quarantine until Aug 1 after coming into close contact with a Covid-19 positive person.

“Hence, the trial before judge Muhammad Jamil Hussin will continue on Aug 27,” he said when contacted by reporters today.

So far, three witnesses have testified in the trial which began on May 21.

On Sept 13, 2018, Shafee pleaded not guilty to two charges of receiving RM9.5 million in proceeds from unlawful activities through two cheques issued by Najib, deposited into his CIMB Bank Bhd account.

He was also charged with two counts of engaging in transactions resulting from illegal activities, namely submitting incorrect tax returns, which is in violation of Paragraph 113 (1) (a) of the Income Tax Act 1967 for the financial years ending Dec 31, 2013, and Dec 31, 2014.

Shafee also faces two charges of being involved in transactions involving proceeds from unlawful activities, namely submitting incorrect returns, which contravenes Paragraph 113 (1) (a) of the Income Tax Act 1967, for the financial years ending Dec 31, 2013 and Dec 31, 2014.