IT Company Manager and Assistant Plead Not Guilty to Bribery Charges in Cryptocurrency Mining Case

IT Company Manager and Assistant Plead Not Guilty to Bribery Charges in Cryptocurrency Raid Case

SHAH ALAM – In a significant development in the fight against corruption, an IT company manager and his assistant have pleaded not guilty to multiple bribery charges in the Sessions Court here. Lai Chung Lam, 40, and Lee Chee Yong, 43, faced Judge Awang Kerisnada Awang Mahmud as the charges were read out to them.

The duo is accused of offering a total of RM56,000 in cash bribes to an individual through an intermediary at various locations, including restaurants and boutiques in Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, on several occasions between August 2020 and May 2021. The bribes were allegedly intended to secure confidential information regarding raids conducted by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) against premises suspected of illegal cryptocurrency mining activities, specifically those involved in electricity theft.

The charges stem from Section 16(b)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009, which carries severe penalties, including a maximum prison term of 20 years and a fine of at least five times the bribe amount or RM10,000, whichever is higher. Additionally, the accused face five alternative charges under Section 214 of the Penal Code, which could result in a maximum prison term of 10 years, a fine, or both.

During the proceedings, MACC deputy public prosecutor Noorhani Muhammad Ayub proposed bail at RM60,000, along with conditions requiring the accused to surrender their passports, report to the MACC office, and refrain from interfering with prosecution witnesses. However, the defense attorney, Shahidah Muslimah Roslan, argued for a reduced bail of RM20,000, citing the financial responsibilities of her clients.

The court ultimately set bail at RM25,000 for each accused, with compliance to the additional conditions. The case is scheduled for further mention on August 14, as the legal proceedings continue to unfold.

This case highlights ongoing efforts to combat corruption in Malaysia, particularly in sectors vulnerable to illicit activities such as cryptocurrency mining. The outcome will be closely watched as it underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in business practices.