Malaysian ex-army chief detained in military procurement graft probe

KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian former army chief and his two wives were among five people detained Wednesday during a graft investigation into a military procurement project, according to the country’s anti-corruption agency and local media.

Authorities have raided several companies over the case since late last year, and six bank accounts belonging to an unidentified suspect and his family members have also been seized.

Details of the case have not been disclosed, but it is understood to focus on payments purportedly made into the bank account of a senior army officer.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) announced a series of detentions in a statement late Wednesday but did not name the suspects.

But local media quoted MACC Chief Commissioner Azam Baki as confirming that former army chief Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan was arrested along with his two wives.

Hafizuddeain had been placed on leave in late December pending an investigation into his conduct.

A married couple were also among those detained, according to MACC.

“MACC is committed to carrying out investigations with full transparency and professionalism,” the statement said.