In a shocking announcement by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), as many as 10 different local artists and celebrities have been called to by the MACC for investigations into a money laundering case by a syndicate associated with the notorious Macau Scam and online gambling. Amongst those that have been called by the MACC to their Headquarters in Putrajaya, are “two female artists and a famous male host and actor”.
In a statement, Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Azam Baki asked that all the celebrities and the businesses involved in the money laundering scheme to come forward and aid in the investigation. he also revealed that the case involved numerous dummy (false) companies that were created by the syndicate and linked to the businesses of some Malaysian celebrities to deceive the authorities. He said that the directive was to prevent the MACC from detaining those concerned in the near future.
“Those who eat chilli will feel the heat. Whether they are a celebrity or a regular person who has received (syndicate funds) from individuals detained by the MACC, they are asked to come forward before we call.”
Amongst the charges being brought against those involved include cheating, bribery and bank robbery. Since the start of the investigation, the MACC has seized RM80 million from 730 bank accounts, RM5 million in cash, as well as 28 luxury cars — such as a Ferrari, Rolls Royce, and Lamborghini — all of which are allegedly linked to the scam. Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Azam Baki added:
“Those who received the money cannot claim ignorance or say they didn’t know because if we investigate, we will do so until we find out where the money is now or how it was received before they set up business for money laundering purpose.”
To top it off, various media outlets have also reported the alleged existence of a prostitution syndicate involving a small group of celebrities who were looking for the option to “get rich quick”. In a report published by Utusan Malaysia, a source from MACC is quoted as saying that the celebrities involved were being paid ‘between RM20,000 and RM40,000’ a night. The source linked the money laundering case to the prostitution one by stating:
“One of the suspects in the cases is among the middlemen who approach celebrities, offering them a certain price for high-class prostitution activities.”
Persatuan Seniman Malaysia (Seniman) has also come forward to confirm that such a ring does exist in the Malaysian entertainment industry. According to its president Zed Zaidi:
“They use social media to show off their lavish lifestyles, when they are actually living beyond their means. It shows that they are most likely involved in such things. What worries us is that their actions will tarnish the image of the entertainment industry.”
As the case is still ongoing, no names have been revealed from the list of those involved. However, netizens have been trying to uncover the identities of the possible local artists involved and in the process, have created unverified speculation and fake news that have negatively affected local artists. Amongst them is young actress Scha Elinnea, who has had to file a police report over allegations that have linked her to the prostitution syndicate.
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Elinnea (whose given name is Natasha) initially had no idea that people were linking her to the syndicate until she started receiving texts and screencaps of an article that had used her Instagram account profile picture (although pixelated) to accompany a headline about the syndicate. As a result, the 20-year-old actress has been subject to slander and vicious messages from netizens who believe in her involvement.
“Their accusations have hurt my feelings and tainted my reputation, as well as those of my management and family […] This concerns my dignity and I will not hesitate to take stricter action after this if the same matter crops up again. There’s no forgiveness for you.”
Similarly, actress Zulin Aziz has vowed to take action against those who are linking her to the syndicate in any way. The ‘Nahu Rindu’ star found herself at the centre of controversy due to her friendship with an individual that had been remanded by the MACC in relation to the case. In a statement, she shut down all allegations that she had also been called in for investigation by the MACC and vehemently denied any involvement with the syndicate. However, that did now stop netizens from coming after her and the 30-year-old artist was forced to defend herself again in an Instagram post, stating:
“From now on, I will block fake accounts and negative comments […] I can not shut your mouth, but if you issue a defamatory statement against me and feed assumptions as well as slander to other people, I will not hesitate to take action.”
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As the MACC continues to investigate the case, let us not make assumptions as to who is involved in the syndicate as it can negatively affect innocent people.
*Cover image credits: 'KL Street': Photo by Omar Elsharawy on Unsplash 'Scam': By Jernej Furman on Flikr
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