World · Malaysia Bureau
Two Mandiri activists detained for questioning under anti-money laundering laws
Activists Amir Hadi and Dobby Chew were detained and questioned by police under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLA) on Tuesday. The pair were brought in by officers from the Commercial Crime Investigation Department at Bukit Aman.
LSN Malaysia ·
The two activists were questioned at the police headquarters' commercial crime division as part of an investigation into potential money laundering activities. Details surrounding the specific allegations or circumstances leading to their detention remain unclear at this time.
The Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act grants authorities broad investigative powers to question individuals suspected of involvement in financial crimes or the movement of illicit funds.
It is unclear whether the pair have been formally charged or released following their questioning. The Commercial Crime Investigation Department has not yet issued a statement providing further details about the nature of the investigation or its current status.
The detention of the activists has drawn attention to the use of AMLA provisions in Malaysia, with civil society groups previously expressing concerns about the law's application in various contexts.