A well-known wholesale jeweller from Lebanon filed a US$14.8 million (RM59.8 million) suit against the wife of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak last month over a consignment of 44 pieces of jewellery.
In documents sighted by Malaysiakini, Global Royalty Trading SAL filed the suit against Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor at the High Court in Kuala Lumpur on June 26 through the legal firm of Messrs David Gurupatham and Koay.
In the statement of claim, the Beirut-based firm alleged that Rosmah was a long-standing customer and that the company also sold pieces of jewellery around the world, including to royal families.
It also claimed that as in previous years, the company would send a consignment of jewellery to Rosmah according to her demand for her to evaluate and purchase, and to be paid by her or by a third party.
Malaysiakini reported that the company said pieces of jewellery that were not chosen would be returned, but at times, Rosmah would borrow the jewellery, and she or her agent would receive them in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Dubai.
According to the report, Global Royalty alleged that a handover memorandum describing the terms and conditions would accompany the jewellery consignment.
Reportedly, through memorandum number 926 dated Feb 10 this year, the company had sent 44 pieces of jewellery, which included diamond necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets and a tiara, each costing between US$124,000 and US$925,000.
Allegedly, Rosmah acknowledged receiving those items in a letter dated May 22, almost two weeks after the 14th general election.
“She had acknowledged in writing on receiving the consignment. However, it is no longer in her custody as it had been seized by the Malaysian authorities,” the statement of claim added.
The terms and conditions of the memorandum included the delivery and return of the jewellery, and that the title of the jewellery remains with the consignor, the owner of the items.
In the suit, Global Royalty sought a declaration from the court that it is the rightful owner of the 44 items of jewellery.
The company further sought a mandatory order for the items to be returned or alternatively, if those items cannot be returned, that Rosmah pays the amount stated based on the value of the jewellery.
The case management on the matter will be held today.
In May, the police seized cash and jewellery from two condominium units linked to Najib in the upmarket Pavilion Residences in Kuala Lumpur.
On July 4, Najib claimed trial to three charges of criminal breach of trust and one for abuse of power in connection to funds involving SRC International.