Seized items in connection with probe on Najib valued at RM1.1 billion

0

Datuk Seri Amar Singh Ishar Singh. Bernama file photo

(updated)

KUALA LUMPUR:  The value of items seized in connection with the investigation on former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak amounted to RM900 million to RM1.1 billion, said Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Amar Singh Ishar Singh.

The seizure involved a search on six premises owned by Najib and two of his children in Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur on May 16 and May 17.

Cash amounting to RM116.7 million in 26 types of currency was confiscated, besides the seizure of 12,000 pieces of jewellery, 567 handbags, 423 watches and 234 sunglasses, he said.

He said eight special teams were formed involving 150 personnel and several branded item experts who took 36 days to calculate the value of 12,000 types of jewellery from 25 bags out of the 72 bags that were seized.

“The most expensive jewellery seized from the raids at Najib’s premises were a necklace worth RM6.4 million. Also seized were 567 handbags involving 37 brands worth about RM51.3 million – various types of famous brands such as Hermes, Prada, Chanel and Bijan,” he told a special media conference here today.

He said the process of calculating the value of the seized items had to take a long time because it involved several jewellery experts and designer goods experts.

“The value of the seized 272 Hermes handbags is estimated at RM51.3 million. The other handbags have yet to be evaluated as we are waiting for the experts to assess them,” he said.

Among the 423 watches were more than 100 designer brands including Rolex, Chopard and Richard Mille, and all were estimated to be worth RM78 million.

Amar Singh said the sunglasses were of 34 different brands, among them Versace and Gucci, and all valued at RM374,000.

All the cash and jewellery were being kept at Bank Negara, he said.

Najib had reportedly claimed that the goods were gifts.

Amar Singh said the police were investigating Najib’s claim to determine the status of the items before taking further action.- Bernama