Malaysia freezes bank accounts of pro-Palestinian NGO over possible misuse of US$14.9 million in funds
- Malaysia’s corruption watchdog says Aman Palestin is being probed for suspected corruption and money laundering
- Formed in 2004, the NGO provides humanitarian aid to Palestinians and advocates for their welfare and rights
Malaysia’s anti-corruption agency on Thursday said it had frozen dozens of bank accounts linked to a local pro-Palestinian NGO as part of an investigation into possible misappropriation of some 70 million ringgit (US$14.9 million) in funds raised through public donations.
The MACC said in a statement that it had frozen nearly 16 million ringgit in funds held in 41 bank accounts linked to Aman Palestin and several other entities effective Wednesday.
“The MACC also conducted a search of Aman Palestin’s premises and procured documents related to their financial and management operations over the past five years,” it said.
The commission said its preliminary findings, aided by statements by several key witnesses, had identified “several issues” linked to possible abuse of funds that were allegedly used for purposes beyond the NGO’s intended objectives. It did not elaborate further.
The MACC said Aman Palestin was being investigated under three separate laws dealing with corruption and money laundering, which carry penalties of up to 20 years in jail and hefty fines that could run into the millions of ringgit if convicted.
