Eight Malaysian former spies under probe for corruption
Investigation is latest in widening crackdown by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad’s government on corruption linked to previous administration
Earlier this week, the anti-corruption agency arrested eight former officers of the Malaysian External Intelligence Organisation (MEIO), including its former head Hasanah Abdul Hamid, on suspicion of misappropriating about US$12 million in government funds.
“We are looking into possible abuse of power by the officers involved, and the misuse of funds, which we believe were government funds,” MACC’s deputy commissioner of operations Azam Baki said at a press conference.
Investigators have seized about US$6.5 million in cash and valuables from various locations, including the MEIO’s headquarters at the prime minister’s office in Putrajaya, the country’s administrative capital.
A Malaysian businessman with permanent residence status in the United Kingdom has also been detained, Azam said, adding that investigators were still looking for the remainder of the funds.