Goh Yeong Hui and Goh Leong Yeong were accused of receiving the proceeds from unlawful activities by two Chinese nationals, Wang Hangang and Feng Chuang, between Sept 9 and Nov 11, 2019.
The RM2.14 million was deposited into their company’s bank account. The siblings pleaded not guilty to all charges.
If convicted under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act, the brothers will face a maximum of 15 years in prison, and a maximum fine of not less than five times of the alleged sum.
Deputy public prosecutor Lee Keng Fatt urged the court to impose RM300,000 bail for Yeong Hui and Leong Yeong as well as to instruct them to report themselves to the nearest police station once a month until their case is disposed of.
“Both accused persons are flight risks,” he added. Lee pointed out that Leong Yeong previously escaped from Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) custody.
The siblings’ lawyer Jacky Loi told the court that the defence was only seeking bail for Yeong Hui as Leong Yeong is currently serving his two-year detention under Prevention of Crime Act for online gambling.
Another businessman, Zaidi Kanappiah and two police officers, have also been detained for two years along with Leong Yeong.
“We would like to correct the prosecution. Leong Yeong did not escape from MACC custody last year.
“For Yeong Hui, we urge the court to impose a RM30,000 bail. He is also facing charges in the Semenyih sessions court for immigration offences,” he added.
Leong Yeong, who spoke from the accused’s dock, also urged the court to not impose a high bail against his brother as their business was suffering due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The immigration department has frozen RM400,000 in our company’s account for investigations,” he added.
Judge Sabariah Othman granted RM200,000 bail with one surety each for the siblings, and ordered Yeong Hui to report himself to the nearest police station once a month until the disposal of the money laundering case.
She also set May 25 for the next mention.