Islamic Influencer Pleads Not Guilty to Embezzling RM13 Million from NGO

Abdullah Abdol Razak, 40, a religious influencer widely known as Ustaz Lah, pleaded not guilty to 34 charges of criminal breach of trust involving RM13,847,535.89 from the non-governmental organization Pertubuhan Rezeki Infaq Malaysia (PRIM). He appeared before Judge Datin M. Kunasundary at the Seremban Sessions Court.

The charges state that Razak, acting as PRIM's chairman, allegedly committed criminal breach of trust by dishonestly releasing the funds, violating Article 10 of PRIM's Constitution. This involved approving payments to several bank accounts, including his own, without the consent of PRIM's General Meeting. The alleged offenses occurred between February 28, 2023, and March 31, 2026, at a bank in the district.

If convicted under Section 409 of the Penal Code, Razak faces a prison sentence of no less than two years and up to 20 years, along with whipping and a fine. Additionally, he faces 17 charges related to the transfer of RM1.56 million in proceeds from illegal activities. These transfers, allegedly made between May 18, 2024, and February 24, 2026, were intended for gold purchases and involved moving funds from various bank accounts, including his own.

For the money laundering charges, under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, he could face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of at least five times the value of the illegal proceeds or RM5 million, whichever is higher.

The court set bail at RM700,000 with two Malaysian guarantors over 21 years old. Razak was also ordered to surrender his passport and refrain from contacting prosecution witnesses. In a related proceeding, PRIM's Secretary, Noor Sahira Abdullah, 30, was charged with abetting Razak in the criminal breach of trust, allegedly assisting in the unlawful fund transfers between April 24, 2023, and March 28, 2026.