Two businessmen with the ‘Tan Sri’ title are under investigation for tax evasion and corruption. ―  Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

KUALA LUMPUR, March 12 ― The authorities have frozen the accounts and assets worth hundreds of millions of ringgit belonging to two businessmen with the “Tan Sri” title who are suspected of tax evasion and corruption. 

Quoting unnamed sources, Mingguan Malaysia, the Sunday edition of Malay daily Utusan Malaysia, reported today that a joint team from the National Revenue Recovery Enforcement Team, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, the police and the Customs Department, had conducted two raids in two states and found that the government lost tens of millions of ringgit because the duo did not declare their true income. 

One of the businessmen allegedly ran an illegal gambling syndicate throughout the country and nightclubs that opened past operating hours.  The businessman allegedly gave bribes of more than RM1 million a month to enforcement officers from various agencies. 

The other businessman allegedly used a proxy to buy Malay reserve land at a cheap price before selling it to the government for much higher when the government wanted the land for certain projects. 

The two cases are reportedly still under investigation. 

The Star Online reported today that a third businessman, who has a “Datuk Seri” title, was also under investigation. 

The raids were reportedly conducted in Penang and Johor.  More details were expected to be revealed soon.