Kuala Lumpur, Oct 28 — The Kuala Lumpur High Court today acquitted and discharged lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah of two counts of money laundering involving RM9.5 million allegedly received from former prime minister Najib Razak, and of making false declarations to the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN).
Judge Muhammad Jamil Hussin made the ruling after finding that the prosecution had failed to prove a prima facie case against Shafee at the end of its case.
On Sept 13, 2018, Shafee pleaded not guilty to receiving proceeds from unlawful activity via cheques issued by Najib, remitted into his CIMB Bank account.
He allegedly received a cheque for RM4.3 million on Sept 13, 2013, and another for RM5.2 million on Feb 17, 2014.
Shafee was also charged with two counts of engaging in transactions resulting from illegal activities, namely submitting incorrect tax returns, in violation of Paragraph 113 (1) (a) of the Income Tax Act 1967 for the financial years ending Dec 31, 2013, and Dec 31, 2014.
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