RM38 million cash, 200kg gold, 17 luxury cars seized in major swoop on 'Datuk'

The Multi-Agency Task Force (MATF) led by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has detained a businessman with a "Datuk" title following a large-scale anti-graft operation to bust a syndicate involved in embezzlement, smuggling of goods, and tax reduction on July 24.

About RM38 million in cash, 200kg of gold worth nearly RM60 million, and 17 luxury cars, including Maserati, Ferrari, and Mercedes-Benz, were seized in the operation.

Also nabbed were the businessman's accomplices.

The operation was carried out in collaboration with six other enforcement agencies, namely the police, the Immigration Department, the Customs Department, Bank Negara Malaysia, the Inland Revenue Board, and CyberSecurity Malaysia.

According to sources, the operation, codenamed Op 82S, marked the first case conducted under the MATF which is chaired by the attorney-general.

Simultaneous raids were conducted at 34 locations in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, involving a total of 315 officers from various agencies.

When contacted, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki confirmed the arrests and said the case is being investigated under the MACC Act 2009, the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFPUAA) 2001, the Income Tax Act 1967, and the Customs Act 1967.