Police are tracking down a businessman who had run off before he could be arrested for online gambling and money-laundering.
The 32-year-old suspect, said to carry a fake “Datuk Seri” title, escaped after being released by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) by scaling a back wall at the graft-buster’s headquarters in Putrajaya with assistance from his two bodyguards.
The police were waiting to rearrest him at the front gate of the premises.
This caused embarrassment to the authorities as the news spawned memes on social media.
Netizens had questioned how it was possible for Goh to escape as the walls around the MACC headquarters were very high.
Some have produced images showing the suspect “escaping” through various means, including flying over the walls.
Police have arrested two of their personnel to facilitate the investigation.
Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Huzir Mohamed identified the suspect as Goh Leong Yeong, who lives at Blok 25B2-5-8, Miharja Condo, Jalan Cheras.
“He is wanted for three cases involving Section 4(1)C Open Gambling House Act for organising online gambling in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
“He ran away after he was released on MACC bail for his involvement in the Macau scam,” Huzir said.
Huzir added that three other suspects in the Macau scam case have been detained under Section 4(1)(a) of the Criminal Prevention Act for 21 days starting October 14 to November 3.
“They have been detained and are being investigated for involvement in online gambling activities around Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
“They were rearrested by the police after being released by the MACC on bail,” he said.
Earlier, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki confirmed that the operation on the Macau Scam syndicate was linked to businesses of several celebrities and dignitaries with the title of Datuk.
It led to the arrest of 20 individuals, including VIPs as well as officers from the police force.
The agency has so far managed to seize 730 bank accounts worth RM80 million, RM5 million in cash and 23 luxury vehicles.
Social media users, on the other hand, have questioned the authorities regarding the man’s escape.
Previously, the police had arrested eight D7 police officers, including senior officers from the unit, for protecting and feeding information to the Macau Scam syndicates to avoid being arrested.
Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador said he will take stern action against the rogue officers.