THE Kuala Lumpur High Court has acquitted lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah of money laundering charges involving RM9.5 mil that he allegedly received from former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, as well as making false declarations to the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN).
Justice Datuk Muhammad Jamil Hussin said the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against the accused.
On Sept 13, 2018, Shafee pleaded not guilty to receiving proceeds from unlawful activities via cheques issued by Najib, which were remitted into his CIMB Bank Berhad account.
He allegedly received a cheque for RM4.3 mil on Sept 13, 2013, and another for RM5.2 mil on Feb 17, 2014.
The lawyer was also charged with two counts of engaging in transactions resulting from illegal activities, namely submitting incorrect tax returns for the financial years ending Dec 31, 2013, and Dec 31, 2014.
He was alleged to have omitted income of RM4.3 mil received on Sept 13, 2013, and RM5.2 mil that was received on Feb 17, 2014 in his tax returns.
The offences were allegedly committed at the LHDN’s Jalan Duta branch at Kompleks Pejabat Kerajaan, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim here on March 3, 2015 and June 29, 2015. – Oct 28, 2022
