Alwaght- Malaysian police have seized dozens of bags stuffed with jewelry, cash and luxury goods from properties of scandal-plagued former Prime Minister Najib Razak while seeking evidence of corruption.
State news agency Bernama reported Friday that 72 bags of jewelry, cash in a variety of currencies, almost 300 boxes of designer handbags, and other luxury goods were seized in a raid Wednesday night in the downtown Kuala Lumpur development Jalan Raja Chula.
Following a surprise victory in an election on May 9, the new government led by Mahathir Mohamad has opened investigations into how billions of dollars disappeared from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), a state fund founded by Najib.
At a press conference on Thursday, Mahathir had said the police had enough reason to raid Najib's house.
"We have instructed investigation into all crime cases, no matter who is involved. If there is a case against them, we will take action," he said.
Najib, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing, and his wife, Rosmah Mansor, have been barred from leaving the country.
Najib's lawyer, Harpal Singh Grewal, told reporters waiting outside the house that the former prime minister and his family were "really very unhappy" that police had confiscated clothes and shoes belonging to his children.
"No attempt was made to verify whether these dresses, shoes, babies clothes and all had anything to do with the investigations which are ongoing," he said.
Television and press reports of police carting away the former first family's personal belongings raised objections from Najib's wife.
"It is our hope that the authorities would observe the rule of law and due process, to avoid a premature public trial," Rosmah's lawyers, Valen, Oh and Partners, said in a statement on her behalf.
"Enforcement agencies should not be feeding social media trolls, but observe and uphold strict professionalism at all times," it added.
At least six countries are investigating the multi-billion dollar scandal.
Documents relating to the 1MDB scandal were retrieved in raids conducted on six properties, including four homes, the former prime minister's official residence and his office in Putrajaya, according to Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Amar Singh Ishar Singh.
