Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s lawyer today complained that millions of ringgit worth of branded goods, especially handbags, owned by his client’s wife and daughter which were seized by police had been destroyed by careless handling of the items.
The seized items, including handbags, shoes, watches, jewellery and cash amounting to about RM680 million, were seized from three premises at the Pavilion Residences linked to the Pekan member of parliament’s family.
It was reported the items were allegedly purchased using funds siphoned from 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).
He said police had marked each individual handbag – most worth tens of thousands of ringgit each, directly with “magic ink” markers.
He lamented that police had no respect and adopted the “couldn’t care less” attitude when handling the seized goods, owned by Rosmah and her daughter, even though they realised those items were worth millions.
He also complained that the police raiding party had failed to follow all procedures when they moved in to conduct the seizures.
Where search list was not properly prepared, no itemisation of content, it’s only written ” Kotak” in boxes when taken out of the premises.
However, Deputy Public Prosecutor dismissed his arguments and said everything had been documented properly.
She said it was also not right to say that the seized items had been destroyed as they were kept in a vault in Bank Negara Malaysia and accessible only to authorised officers.
Najib, 67, had applied to be allowed to physically inspect the items which were seized on May 17, 2018.
The Judge later allowed Najib to carry out the inspection but ruled that he can only do it once in the presence of his lawyer.
Source: NST