Tan Sri accused of taking RM5.5mil, S$1.5mil to settle probe

Businessman Tan Kean Soon claimed trial to four charges of cheating a businessman of RM5.5 million and S$1.5 million by claiming that the money would be used to resolve money laundering investigations.

The former T7 Global Bhd executive deputy chairman, who is a Tan Sri, pleaded not guilty after the charges were read to him before sessions court judge Azrul Darus here today.

Tan, 62, is accused of cheating Keh Chuan Seng on four separate occasions by claiming he could help resolve the freezing of Keh’s personal and corporate bank accounts as well as police investigations under anti-money laundering laws.

The offences are said to have involved cash totalling RM5.5 million and S$1.5 million, which Keh was purportedly induced to hand over through an intermediary named Chiau Beng Teik.

The offences allegedly took place between March 23 and 25 last year.

All four charges were framed under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which carries a punishment of between one and 10 years’ imprisonment, whipping and a fine for each offence, upon conviction.

Azrul granted Tan bail of RM1 million with one surety and ordered him to surrender his passport to the court until the disposal of the case.

The court fixed Jan 11 next year for case management.

Deputy public prosecutors Norfauzani Nordin and Noor Zalizan Lazarous appeared for the prosecution. Lawyer Hisyam Teh Poh Teik represented Tan.