The former officer, Otman Arsahd, and three others, aged between 35 to 57 years old, were arrested by MACC for suspected money laundering of over RM17 million.

According to earlier reports, Otman , a former divisional secretary of the Finance Department at the Youth and Sports Ministry, had on March 31 claimed trial at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court to 32 counts of abusing his position and making false claims amounting to RM38.471 million. He was granted bail.

He faces 17 charges of making false claims under Section 18 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act, and the remaining 15 charges of abusing his position.

The three other individuals are a husband and wife who are owners of a company, and a contractor.

They were detained today at the MACC headquarters, and are expected to face charges under Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.