Scorpene submarine probe: MACC zeroes in on new lead pointing to misappropriation of RM42mil

PUTRAJAYA: Graft investigators have obtained new leads on the Scorpene submarine probe, where a local company is believed to have made payments amounting to RM42mil without the knowledge of its board of directors.

It is learnt that based on the latest findings, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has reviewed its investigation, with focus given to the new leads.

Sources with knowledge of the investigation said that investigators are now zeroing in on what is believed to be misappropriation amounting to RM42mil.

The amount is said to be part of the RM530mil contract for support services in relation to the purchase of the submarine.

“In view of this latest development, the MACC will be calling several witnesses. In fact, we have already identified several of them and have recorded their statements,” said a source.

The MACC said that investigations into Malaysia’s acquisition of the Scorpene submarines were ongoing and the new leads would allow investigators to continue to pursue the case.

In April, MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki was reported to have said that the probe on Scorpene was ongoing and that the agency was in contact with related parties abroad to obtain information and evidence regarding some of the transactions carried out.

The purchase of the two French submarines was carried out in 2002, when former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was the defence minister.

Najib oversaw the purchase of two Scorpene-class submarines and one Agosta-class submarine from the French naval shipyard unit DCN, worth nearly €1bil.

The Scorpene submarines, named KD Tunku Abdul Rahman and KD Tun Razak, arrived in Malaysia in September 2009 and July 2010, respectively.