Police operation at Najib's residence continues

KUALA LUMPUR: Police are still conducting a search at the residence of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak in Taman Duta at press time.
As of 4.45pm Thursday, a Black Maria was escorted by several police outriders and a police car left his house following almost 20 hours of searching through the premise.
It is believed that unmarked boxes, which may contain personal belongings taken from Najib's house, were seen in the back of the truck.
However, there is no sign of police ending their search as they still maintained a security presence leading up to the residence.
Both local and foreign media have been camping in the vicinity of the house since Wednesday night to monitor the developments.
Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department director, Datuk Seri Amar Singh, had earlier confirmed that a search is ongoing.
Police, however, have remained tight-lipped over the nature of the investigations.
Amar said that he will hold a press conference once the search has been completed.
Former Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz who was reportedly spotted in a black BMW was allowed to drive up to Najib's house.
A black SUV believed to be transporting one of Najib's sons was also seen driving up to the house.
Another car, allegedly driven by Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor's secretary, was also seen going into the premises.
Heavily tinted vehicles and police vehicles were seen going in and out of the house at Jalan Langgak Duta that is still being searched by police since Wednesday night.
Meanwhile, earlier yesterday, Datuk Harpal Singh Grewal, who is the lawyer for the former Umno president confirmed that police have not seized any documents yet, following the ongoing simultaneous raids on other residences belonging to Najib.
Investigators have so far only taken clothes, handbags as well as gifts, for the purpose of evidence.
"Police conducted the search to facilitate their investigation. He said Najib and his family extended their cooperation throughout the almost six-hour search," he said.
"The police did not say what case the investigation was about. The search took a long time because the house is big and police inspected each area," he said.
It is learnt that the search was done for an investigation under the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
Harpal also confirmed that another residence belonging to Najib was searched by the police.
However, he did not disclose the location.
"Police did not seize any documents, only several personal items, among them clothes, handbags and items in the form of gifts, around two to three boxes," he added.
He later confirmed that no arrests have been made and no charges were mentioned by the authorities so far.
"So far, there is no indication for Najib to have his statement recorded by the police also," he said.
The police operation earlier began on Wednesday at Najib's residence when more than 15 police vehicles, as well as a truck, entered the residence at 10.15pm.
Sources said the search was initiated following investigations on the financial scandal of state-owned investment arm 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) which went full swing on Tuesday.
It is learnt that another raid was also conducted simultaneously at a luxury apartment in KL that was recently reported to have been turned into a storage place for the handbags and accessories allegedly owned by Najib's wife Rosmah.
The operation in the luxury apartment ended around 3am, with policemen carrying several boxes and items out of the building.
On Tuesday, newly elected Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad held a meeting with police top brass including Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun and Amar where he is believed to have ordered the probe on 1MDB to be expedited.