Norliza Charged Again, Allegedly Laundered Over RM13 Million

Datuk Norliza Tajudin, a director at Energy Eco Berhad, has been charged with an additional 10 counts of money laundering involving RM13,456,605.29 over the past five years. The charges were brought against her at the Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur.

These new allegations follow a previous indictment on May 11, where Norliza and prominent Islamic finance figure Tan Sri Dr. Mohd. Daud Bakar were charged with seven counts of criminal breach of trust concerning RM10.55 million. Norliza, 54, pleaded not guilty to all charges before Judge Suzana Hussin.

Prosecutors allege that Norliza received RM1.6 million from illicit activities through online transactions from Energy Eco Berhad's bank accounts into her personal accounts for five charges. For four other charges, she is accused of receiving RM4.4 million through 24 checks from the company, which were then deposited into her personal bank accounts.

The tenth charge states that Norliza, as a director of investment company Aura Emas Trading Sdn. Bhd., received RM7.4 million through 10 checks from Energy Eco Berhad, which were deposited into Aura Emas Trading's accounts. These alleged offenses occurred at various bank branches in Kuala Lumpur between February 1, 2021, and February 2, 2024.

The charges are brought under Section 4(1)(b) and Section 87(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001. Conviction carries a maximum of 15 years in prison and a fine of at least five times the value of the illicit proceeds or RM5 million, whichever is higher.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Nurul Qistini Qamarul Abrar requested that the court apply the existing RM100,000 bail with additional conditions. Norliza's lawyer, Datuk Gobinath Mohanna, did not object. The court agreed to use the previous bail and its conditions. Judge Suzana also approved the prosecution's request to combine this case with the previous one involving Mohd. Daud. The next court mention is set for October 29.