Trial dates fixed for RM15m money-laundering case of Najib's former lawyer

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 10): The Sessions Court has fixed 10 days starting from July 1 for the RM15 million money-laundering trial involving Datuk Mohd Hafarizam Harun (pictured), a former lawyer of Datuk Seri Najib Razak, in relation to 1Malaysia Development Bhd funds.

The date was fixed by Sessions Court judge Suzana Hussin today. 

When contacted, Deputy Public Prosecutor Ashrof Adrin Kamarul confirmed with theedgemarkets.com that the hearing dates are on July 1 to 2, 30, and Aug 16 to 20, 23 and 24.

Hafarizam was represented by counsel Datuk Hasnal Rezua Merican.

The first charge involves RM7.5 million and is made under Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUA).

Meanwhile, the second and third charges, involving deposits of RM4 million and RM3.5 million respectively, are made under the amended Section 4(1)(b) of the AMLATFPUA.

He is alleged to have received the money from the former prime minister.

Section 4(1)(a) provides for a fine of not more than RM5 million or imprisonment of not more than five years or both, while Section 4(1)(b) provides for imprisonment of not more than five years and a fine of not less than five times the amount of the proceeds from unlawful activities or RM5 million, whichever is higher.

The reason for separate sections being applied to the charges is because the first tranche of deposits was made in April 2014 when Section 4(1)(a) was applicable, whereas the second and third tranches were deposited between November 2014 and February 2015 — after the Act was updated to include Section 4(1)(b).

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