MACC chief Azam Baki said the time taken in the investigation, codenamed Op Crest, was necessary because it involved a case of  bribery by a foreign party totalling US$3.3 million (RM13.98 million).

“Sapuracrest, a company under Sapura Energy, had awarded a contract to a Brazilian subcontractor.

“The money was paid by an agent in the Netherlands and moved through Singapore,” he told reporters today.

Azam said NACC is also looking into whether its probe into the alleged misappropriation of RM12 million in Sapura Energy falls under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009, which relates to abuse of office for gratification.

“So far, we’ve recorded statements from 15 witnesses. No arrests have been made as the investigation is still ongoing,” he said.

He said MACC is working to trace funds and gather statements from individuals abroad, further prolonging the investigation.

In May, MACC said it was investigating a prominent corporate figure over alleged money laundering involving SEB shares worth more than RM500 million.

It also said it was looking into several questionable investments following the merger of Sapura Kencana Petroleum Bhd and Sapuracrest Petroleum Bhd.

An MACC source revealed 83 bank accounts belonging to five individuals and 15 companies, with a combined value of RM158.26 million, had been frozen as part of the investigation.