Man jailed 10 years, fined RM228mil for corruption, money laundering

Former real estate consultant Amir Shariffuddin Abd Raub has been sentenced to 10 years in prison and fined RM228 million after the Court of Appeal overturned his acquittal on corruption and money laundering charges. The decision was made by a three-member bench, including Justices Zaini Mazlan, Wong Kian Kheong, and Evrol Mariette Peters.

According to the court, Amir's claim that the money he received was consultancy fees lacked any supporting documentary evidence. The bench found the prosecution's case, which was built on circumstantial evidence, to be compelling when considered together.

Amir's relationship with former Johor executive councillor Latif Bandi was deemed relevant in establishing his role as an influence peddler. The deputy public prosecutor, Farah Ezlin Yusop Khan, confirmed the outcome of the appeal.

Amir, 53, was convicted of 33 charges under Section 16(a)(B) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act, which involves receiving bribes. The court ordered him to serve a concurrent 10-year jail term and a fine of RM151,800,145, or a seven-year prison sentence if he cannot pay the fine. He was also found guilty on four money laundering charges, each carrying a possible five-year sentence and a fine of RM75.9 million, or a three-year sentence if unpaid.

The sentences are to run concurrently, meaning Amir will serve at least 10 years in prison. The corruption and money laundering charges were initially acquitted by the High Court three years ago, but the Court of Appeal upheld the prosecution's final appeal to overturn this acquittal. Amir was immediately committed to prison after being released on bail.