Police Bribery Probe Expands as Account Holder Remanded Over RM12,000 Corruption Case
KOTA BHARU, April 9 – Malaysia’s anti-corruption authorities have widened their investigation into an alleged police bribery case with the arrest and remand of a man believed to have facilitated the movement of illicit funds.
The suspect, a man in his 30s, was remanded for five days starting today until April 13 following an application by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) at the Kota Bharu Magistrate’s Court.
Magistrate Rais Imran Hamid granted the remand order to allow investigators to examine the suspect’s role in handling financial transactions linked to the case involving four police personnel.
With this latest development, the total number of individuals detained in connection with the case has risen to five, suggesting that the alleged bribery scheme may involve a broader network than initially reported.
Suspect Believed to Have Received Bribes Through Personal Account
According to sources, the suspect was arrested at around 5pm yesterday at his residence after investigators identified his alleged involvement in managing the flow of bribe payments.
Preliminary findings indicate that the suspect acted in collusion with the four police officers, serving as the account holder through which illicit funds were transferred.
“The bribe money is believed to have been channelled into the suspect’s personal bank account before being distributed accordingly,” a source said.
The use of third-party accounts highlights a common tactic in corruption cases, where intermediaries are used to conceal financial trails and complicate enforcement efforts.
Four Police Officers Already Under Investigation
Prior to this, four police personnel — comprising a sergeant, a corporal, and two constables — were remanded for five days to assist in investigations into the same case.
They are suspected of soliciting and receiving bribes amounting to RM12,000 in exchange for performing or refraining from certain official duties.
The arrest of the fifth suspect is expected to strengthen the case, particularly in establishing the financial link necessary to prove the offence.
Case Investigated Under MACC Act 2009
Kelantan MACC director Azmin Yusoff confirmed the arrest and said the case is being investigated under Section 16(a)(B) of the MACC Act 2009.
The provision relates to the offence of accepting gratification as an inducement or reward in relation to official functions.
He stressed that the commission takes a firm stance against corruption involving enforcement officers, given its impact on public trust and institutional integrity.
Focus Shifts to Financial Trail and Possible Network
Investigators are now expected to focus on tracing the movement of funds and determining whether additional individuals are involved in the scheme.
Authorities may also examine whether the suspect’s bank account was used in other transactions beyond this case, potentially uncovering a wider pattern of corruption.
The case underscores the evolving complexity of corruption offences, particularly with the use of digital financial systems that require detailed forensic analysis to uncover.
With the latest arrest, the MACC is likely to intensify its efforts to ensure that all individuals connected to the case are identified and brought to justice, reinforcing its commitment to combating corruption at all levels.
-wilayah.com.my
