13 including agency director arrested in Malaysia for bribery

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (SPRM) has detained 13 people, including a current and a former director of a government agency in the northern region. They are suspected of soliciting and accepting bribes amounting to about RM2.5 million.

The suspects, comprising 10 men and three women aged between 30 and 60, were apprehended on Monday evening while providing statements to the SPRM Perak office. They allegedly demanded and received bribes from contractors to facilitate the awarding of direct appointments and tenders to companies controlled by cartel agents, thereby monopolizing the agency's contracts.

SPRM's Strategic Communications Division stated that eight of the detainees are public servants, while the remaining five are civilians and company owners. Initial investigations suggest the suspects colluded in these activities between 2024 and 2026. Contractors confirmed they paid 10-15% of the contract value as bribes to middlemen, who then delivered the funds to the agency officials.

Three individuals, including two public servants and a company director, were remanded for two days from June 16 to 17. The other 10 suspects were remanded for five days from June 16 to 20 by the Ipoh Magistrate's Court. The arrests were part of "Op Drain," a multi-state operation conducted by SPRM's Investigation Division across Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Pahang, and Perak. Authorities searched 25 locations, including residences, offices, and government premises, seizing approximately RM1.5 million in cash, a luxury watch, two cars, a high-powered motorcycle, and jewelry valued at around RM1 million. The case is being investigated under Section 17(a) of the SPRM Act 2009.