13 including director, former director of govt agency arrested for RM2.5 million graft

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (SPRM) has arrested 13 individuals, including a current director and a former director of a government agency in the northern region, on suspicion of soliciting and accepting bribes amounting to approximately RM2.5 million. The arrests, which involved 10 men and three women aged between 30 and 60, took place on Monday evening as they were providing statements at the SPRM Perak office.

Authorities allege that the suspects conspired to solicit and receive bribes from contractors. These payments were reportedly made as inducements to appoint contracting companies controlled by cartel agents, thereby monopolizing direct appointments and tenders within the agency. An initial investigation by SPRM's Strategic Communications Unit indicated that eight of the arrested individuals are public servants, while the remaining five are civilians and company owners.

Evidence suggests that the corrupt practices occurred between 2024 and 2026. Contractors involved in the scheme confirmed that they had to pay bribes ranging from 10% to 15% of the contract value to intermediaries. These intermediaries then channeled the funds to the director and former director of the government agency.

Magistrate Anis Hanini Abdullah ordered two public servants and one company director to be remanded for two days, from June 16 to June 17. The remaining 10 suspects were remanded for five days, from June 16 to June 20. These arrests followed an operation codenamed "Op Drain," conducted by SPRM's Investigation Division across Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Pahang, and Perak. During the operation, 25 locations, including residences, offices, and government agency premises, were searched. Authorities seized approximately RM1.5 million in cash, along with a luxury watch, two vehicles, a high-powered motorcycle, and jewelry valued at around RM1 million.