Illegal Deposit Taking - Arrest Warrant Issued on Eastana & Jazmeen Bosses

This announcement by Bank Negara issued on Saturday.
It is believed related to press statement on 13 October 2008, whereby Bank Negara Malaysia raided Buluhmas Enterprise Sdn. Bhd., Jazmeen (M) Sdn. Bhd, Noradz Travel & Services Sdn. Bhd., and Eastana Farm Industries Sdn. Bhd. under Section 25(1) of the Banking and Financial Institutions Act (BAFIA) 1989 and Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act (AMLATFA) 2001. Section 25(1) of BAFIA 1989 prohibits any person from receiving, taking, or accepting deposits without having a valid license, whereas Section 4(1) of AMLATFA 2001 prohibits any person from engaging in, or attempting to engage in, or abetting the commission of money laundering activities.

The raids were conducted at the premises of the companies in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan following complaints received from members of the public. Relevant assets and documents of the companies were seized for purpose of the investigation.

Any person or company who commits an offence under Section 25(1) of BAFIA 1989 shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding RM10 million or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years or to both. Any person or company who commits an offence under Section 4(1) of AMLATFA 2001 shall on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding RM5 million or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or to both.

Members of the public are advised to be cautious of investment schemes promoted on the internet, through phone calls or through seminars conducted by individuals or companies that are not licensed or authorized by Bank Negara Malaysia to accept deposits or to conduct foreign currency dealings. A list of all licensed institutions that accept deposits is available on Bank Negara Malaysia's website at www.bnm.gov.my.