In a statement today, MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Azam Baki said the MACC had never contacted any parties via letters to close any purported corruption case.

“Recently, MACC has received numerous complaints from the public who have been deceived by the fake letter.

“Those who receive any dubious letters are advised to seek confirmation from the nearest MACC office at 1-800-88-6000 and the address posted on the official portal www.sprm.gov.my,” he said.

Azam expressed his hope that the public would be more sensitive and share this information with others.

Azam’s press statement also included the purported letters in question, which were signed off by an unnamed MACC head in charge of an investigation.

The letter typically starts off by informing the recipient that an investigation paper (IP) has been opened by the MACC to probe whether he or she was involved in a graft case.

They would then inform the recipient that he or she would be arrested and charged under Section 16 of the MACC Act 2009 which deals with corruptly soliciting, receiving or agreeing to receive any gratification as an inducement or reward.

“Therefore, I would like to offer Dato (the chance) to close the IP and get rid of the evidence,” one such letter reads. Others are addressed simply to “sir” or “madam”.

“If you are interested, make a RM50,000 payment to the Bitcoin account as listed below within 30 days from the date of this letter,” it adds.

The letters also have a Bitcoin QR code to send the money to.