Police will investigate the claim made by former PetroSaudi International Ltd executive Xavier Andre Justo that he was coerced by Malaysian police into making a statement while being questioned in Bangkok three years ago.
Among the statements Justo was alleged to have been coerced into making include acknowledging former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak as “the best PM” and “a nice guy”.
“We will look into the claim and why Justo brought it up,” Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Fuzi Harun said, adding that they would look into it in detail before making any confirmation.
On 22 June 2015, Justo was arrested at his home in Koh Samui, Thailand for attempting to blackmail his former employer to the tune of RM11 million (2.5 million Swiss francs) pertaining to documents he obtained from the company.
Currently in Malaysia to attend a forum, Justo yesterday said Malaysian authorities met him while he was in the custody of Thai police, claiming that among those who met him at the Bangkok prison were Bukit Aman’s Commercial Crimes Investigation Department head Datuk Seri Amar Singh Ishar Singh.
Justo alleged he was forced to confess that he was a thief who manipulated data and was working with a politician within Malaysia’s then Opposition with the help of a journalist.
He was also asked to acknowledge that the deal between PetroSaudi and 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) was legitimate.
Justo claimed that the police team came with 55 questions, which they allegedly coerced him into giving answers according to what they wanted.
Earlier report: Oct 31, Justo: Malaysian Cops Forced Me to Say ‘Najib was Best PM’