Task force freezes RM1.1 billion found in 408 bank accounts linked to 1MDB (Updated)

PUTRAJAYA: The task force investigating the financial scandal of 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) has frozen RM1.1 billion found in 408 bank accounts belonging to individuals, political parties and non-governmental organisations (NGO) on suspicion of receiving funds from the scandalous state investment arm.
The task force revealed in a statement today among the accounts that were frozen were that of 81 individuals and 55 companies.
The frozen accounts are believed to have links with the misappropriation and abuse of 1MDB funds.

Investigators discovered that the accounts had 900 banking transactions performed between March 2011 and September 2015.
The task force said it was carrying out an in-depth probe to determine the extent of involvement of the parties and did not discount the possibilities of freezing more bank accounts soon.
It said that a comprehensive investigation will be carried out in all fairness to all parties and the move to freeze the accounts was done in accordance to the law and not to victimise any party.
The task force made up of former Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, former MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed, current MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Mohd Shukri Abdull and police Special Branch director Datuk Abdul Hamid Bador was formed to investigate all areas of the scandal including identifying the parties involved in siphoning the funds of billions of ringgit money, the money trail and the acquisition of assets here and overseas.
On another matter, the task force said it was not behind the freezing of the accounts to the Tengku Azizah Fertility Foundation (TAFF) as speculated by certain parties.
It said the foundation is neither linked to 1MDB nor is it under the radar of the task force.
The task force urged all parties to refrain from linking the matter with the 1MDB probe.