PUTRAJAYA: A Tan Sri and his son have been remanded for six days to assist in an investigation into fraudulent claims of nearly RM13mil.
Both father and son arrived in court in separate cars under heavy escort by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officers.
The son, who is employed in his father’s company, is said to have played an active role in the dubious deals.
Both the Tan Sri, who is a former vice-president of MIC, and his son made no attempt to shield their faces from the press.
Also remanded were four Drainage and Irrigation Department officers.
They were the former director of the special projects division, two engineers and an assistant engineer.
All four are believed to have abetted the Tan Sri in the alleged fraud.
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In cuffs: The Tan Sri being escorted by an MACC officer at the magistrate’s court in Putrajaya.
Magistrate A. Akhiruddin @ Boy Acho allowed the six to be held in remand until Tuesday.
Earlier, MACC prosecutors had requested for the maximum seven days.
But Akhiruddin took into account health reasons cited by three of the suspects.
All six are being investigated under Section 18 of the MACC Act, which carries a maximum 20-year jail term, and a fine five times the value of bribes involved or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
On Wednesday, a sting operation by the MACC saw all the six rounded up at different locations in Johor, Seremban and Putrajaya.
It is alleged that the Tan Sri submitted claims related to the supply of some 350 geotubes to carry out river restoration works at Sungai Melaka for the department.
The actual number of units supplied is said to be just 89 units, costing only RM4mil.
Meanwhile, anti-graft officers picked up another suspect to assist in the probe.
The 48-year-old was detained at his house in Johor Baru at about 4pm yesterday.
It is learnt the suspect was a former employee of the Tan Sri who left his company in 2014.
Sources said the suspect could have a role in the case, which was said to have occurred in 2012.
MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Azam Baki confirmed the latest arrest.
Read more at http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/04/07/tan-sri-son-remanded-six-days-four-did-officers-also-held-in-probe-over-rm13mil-in-false-claims/#TTqM3ErM1ZrWqBTA.99
