'Datuk Seri' suspect allegedly owns 31 luxury condo units

The 'Datuk Seri' who was arrested by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to assist in a corruption investigation is believed to own 31 luxury condomimium units worth more than RM15.5 million, reported Utusan Malaysia.

These units located in Kuala Lumpur were 'purchased' from five housing developers which had dealings with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

Quoting a source, the report said the MACC found that the suspect had purchased all the condominium units, each priced between RM200,000 and RM300,000, without paying down payments when the sale and purchase agreements (S&P) were executed.

The houses were bought using the suspect's own name and those who are close to the suspect.

"It is believed that the suspect would sell these units with an estimated price of RM500,000 each, once they are completed to gain profit," said the source.

These senior officers allegedly collaborated with housing developers when they book the units without making the down payments.

After the projects are completed with certificate of fitness (CF) issued, the developers would acquire the units 'bought' by the officers and sell them to genuine purchasers with a higher rate.

The source also claimed that MACC did not rule out the possibility of other officers and staff from DBKL being involved in similar deals to make quick money.

"Further investigation is still ongoing and we are tracking a suspect to assist with the probe," said the source.

When contacted, MACC investigations director Azam Baki declined to comment.

On Aug 15, MACC arrested three government officials, two with the honorific title Datuk Seri and another with Datuk, for alleged corruption.

The are being investigated under Section 17(a) and Section 23 of the MACC Act for soliciting bribes.

The 'Datuk Seri', 54, a senior officer with DBKL, is also being investigated under the Anti-Money Laundering, Ant-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.

The others are from the Malacca Public Works Department and the Kelantan office of Tenaga Nasional Bhd. The commission seized various assets, including luxury cars, from the trio.

MACC also seized RM400,000 in cash and froze RM13 million in accounts belonging to the suspects, including savings accounts and unit trusts worth between RM1 million and RM6 million.

During the raid, MACC officers also seized huge amounts of cash hidden in the ceiling of a suspect's house.