1MDB task force meets FBI, DoJ
Bernama | May 24, 2018
The two US agencies welcome the cooperation given by Mahathir Mohamad's administration.
1MDB task force meets with FBI and DoJ representatives in Putrajaya today.
PUTRAJAYA: The 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) Special Investigation Task Force has convened a meeting with Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and United States’ Department of Justice (DoJ) officials here today.
The topics of discussion at the meeting were the direction and focus of the 1MDB investigations, request for Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) in criminal matters and also recovery of assets in the US.
According to the statement issued by the task force today, those involved in the meeting also agreed to work together to complete the investigations into 1MDB.
The 1MDB Task Force comprises former Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail, former MACC chief commissioner Abu Kassim Mohamed, current MACC chief commissioner Shukri Abdull and Special Branch director Hamid Bador.
The statement also said among the issues raised at the meeting were the request made by the FBI in a letter dated Nov 13, 2016, to Dzulkifli Ahmad, the then chief commissioner of the MACC, which had yet to receive any response.
It said the DoJ also confirmed having requested MLA from Attorney-General Apandi Ali on Sept 22, 2017.
According to the statement, the request was not accepted but postponed on grounds it would interfere with ongoing investigations by Malaysian authorities, and hence no cooperation was given until today.
“The DoJ and FBI also expressed their highest appreciation for the cooperation given by the Malaysian government under the leadership of the new prime minister after no action was taken on 1MDB during the previous government,” it said.
Last Monday, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced the formation of the 1MDB Task Force to investigate, detect and seize assets, as well as prosecute individuals who commit any criminal offence in the management of 1MDB.
