He said those who leaked the information were from within the police force.

“Based on the interrogations done, there has been an information leak. As a result, Nicky Liow managed to transfer a large amount of money out of the premises,” he said during a special press conference in Bukit Aman, here.

Hamid said investigations also revealed that a former deputy public prosecutor (DPP) with the title “Datuk” was believed to be among the individuals who leaked information regarding the operation.

“The former deputy public prosecutor was involved as an intermediary who linked him (Liow) up with police officers and enforcement officers based on his position as an officer previously.

“He (the former DPP) orchestrated and facilitated Nicky Liow’s movements, allowing him to escape,” he said.

Hamid said Liow, who is currently wanted by the police, has 12 criminal records related to drugs and violence, including the assault of two Rela members in 2017.

“The police urge members of the public with information regarding the main suspect to contact investigating officer Prakash Valiappan at 012-5209767, or head to any police station,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hamid said 34 enforcement personnel were suspected of having links with the organised crime syndicate, with the majority being from the police.

Meanwhile, Johor police chief Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said Liow had fled a week prior to the police raid on his condominium at Setia Walk, here.

“Nicky Liow (allegedly) managed to escape with eight bags believed to contain millions of ringgit following the information leak (on the operation) by police officers, while investigations done on his personal bank account itself found that it contains RM40 million,” he said.