M’sian Anti-Corruption Senior Officer Charged with Misappropriating RM25 Million Cash Evidence

Lawyers representing MACC senior enforcer Shahrum Nizam Baharuddin (source: Malay Mail)

According to Malay Mail, a Malaysian-Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) senior enforcer has been charged at the Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur with a criminal breach of trust involving RM25 million cash evidence linked to a major corruption case.

Shahrum Nizam Baharuddin, 40, pleaded not guilty to the charge under Section 409 of the Penal Code.

According to the charge sheet, Shahrum was charged in his capacity as a civil servant – specifically a Grade 44 senior enforcer – whereby he was entrusted with the monies and committed criminal breach of trust involving the said monies.

The offence was allegedly committed between Dec 17, 2018 and April 9, 2019 at the Special Action Branch division chief’s room at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters, Putrajaya.

The cash was previously seized as part of the agency’s investigation into the former director-general of the Malaysian External Intelligence Organisation (MEIO), Datuk Hasanah Abdul Hamid who in 2018 was charged with a criminal breach of trust involving US$12 million (RM50 million).

It was reported that Hasanah had attempted to reclaim the seized money but found part of it missing and replaced with counterfeit notes.

(source: The Sun Daily)

If found guilty, Sharum faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in jail, whipping, and a fine.

Trial judge Suzana Hussin denied bail to the accused and set mention of the case on Feb 18.

Besides that, the prosecution today (4 Jan) also informed the lower court that Shahrum will later also be hit with 101 fresh charges of money laundering.

ICYMI, the MACC had confirmed back in September last year, that three of its senior officers were remanded for six days to assist in the investigation into allegations of abuse of power and malfeasance.