Mandiri under probe over suspected illegal proceeds, says IGP

Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail today said Mandiri was being investigated following a police report alleging that the youth group received funds suspected to be the proceeds of unlawful activities from 2024 to this year.

Khalid said police opened a money laundering probe on Sept 10 under Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 against Mandiri Development Centre Sdn Bhd.

The section provides for up to 15 years’ imprisonment and a fine of not less than five times the value of the illegal proceeds or RM5 million, whichever is higher.

Mandiri executive director Amir Hadi and finance director Dobby Chew were arrested at the Bukit Aman commercial crime investigation department yesterday to assist in the investigation.

The arrests drew criticism from civil society groups and DAP politicians, who called for the immediate release of Amir and Chew.

“We will continue to comprehensively investigate any party suspected of having connections with this case, including matters involving the safekeeping, transfer and use of funds, as well as the deposit or withdrawal of money suspected to be the proceeds of unlawful activities.

“Police also assure the public that the investigation will be conducted professionally, transparently and in accordance with existing laws,” Khalid said in a statement.

On Sept 18, more than 20 police officers raided an office in Petaling Jaya shared by Mandiri and Hayat, an NGO managed by Chew. The groups handed over financial records, audit reports, tax documents, staff payrolls, a computer and a USB drive containing financial information.

The investigation follows recent enforcement action against the duo, including frozen personal and organisational bank accounts under anti-money laundering laws and travel bans that prevented both Amir and Chew from travelling abroad.