Najib arrested by MACC (Updated)

PUTRAJAYA: Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak was arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today and will be charged for alleged money-laundering, power abuse and corruption tomorrow.
Attorney-General Tommy Thomas is set to lead the prosecution team against Najib for offences related to the misappropriation of funds from SRC International Sdn Bhd – a former subsidiary of the scandal-ridden 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
According to a statement by the 1MDB task force that is investigating the scandal, Najib is to be brought before the sessions court in Kuala Lumpur at 8.30am.
The task force, comprising 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 Special Branch director Datuk Abdul Hamid Bador, is investigating all aspects of the scandal, including identifying the parties involved in siphoning billions of ringgit, the money trail and the acquisition of assets here and overseas.
The former premier, who was arrested at his house at Jalan Langgak Duta in Kuala Lumpur at 2.35pm today, was taken straight to the MACC headquarters here in a convoy of vehicles and put into the lock-up where he is to be held until he is charged.
On arrival at 3.30pm, the convoy comprising a red Proton Inspira carrying Najib, escorted by five other vehicles, evaded scores of journalists waiting at the main entrance of the MACC headquarters by using another entrance at the rear of the building.
Najib's arrest had been long anticipated, following several raids conducted by the police at his house on May 17 and several condominium units at Pavilion Residences on May 18, a week after Barisan Nasional was swept from power in the 14th General Election.
Police later announced that up to RM1.1 billion in cash, jewellery, designer handbags, watches and other luxury items had been seized from Najib's house, the condominium units belonging to his family and a safe house near his official residence in Putrajaya.
Two years ago, MACC's pursuit to charge those behind the SRC International case, including Najib, was derailed when the former premier got wind of the plan and allegedly ensured all those responsible for mounting the charges against him were removed from their positions.
Among those who were expelled or constructively forced to step down were all four members of the 1MDB task force.
Abdul Gani was then attorney-general, Abu Kassim MACC chief commissioner, Mohd Shukri was his deputy and Abdul Hamid was the Special Branch's deputy director.
When the new government under Pakatan Harapan took over the administration of the country, all four men were recalled by Prime Minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad and directed to resume the probe on SRC International.
MACC investigators have summoned dozens of individuals for questioning including Najib, his wife Rosmah Mansor, his two political aides, his stepson Riza Aziz, former chief secretary to the government Tan Sri Ali Hamsa and former Bank Negara adviser Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop.
Last month, Mahathir said authorities were seeking to bring embezzlement and bribery charges against Najib after an inquiry into the suspected theft of billions of dollars from 1MDB.
Meanwhile, at a separate function, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said police will quiz Najib before taking any action over their 1MDB investigation.
"We would be unable to complete our investigation papers if we do not obtain Najib's statement for our probe. We cannot exempt him from that process," he said, adding that the ex-prime minister will be called in to give his statement soon.
Asked if and when Najib would be detained by police, Fuzi said he could not provide such information.