Datuk Claims Trial To 20 Counts Of Money Laundering

A businessman, with a "Datuk" title, claimed trial to 20 counts of money laundering amounting to RM1.29 million in the Sessions Court Tuesday.

Datuk Paiman Shakimon, 48, allegedly used the money to open six fixed- deposit accounts, paid deposit and monthly instalments for his fleet of cars, and bought a piece of land in Kajang.

Among his cars are Mercedes-Benz, Nissan Fairlady, Toyota Celica, Subaru Impreza and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.

Paiman, who is involved in information technology business, was charged with committing the offences between Jan 10, 2005 and July 10 2006.

He allegedly committed the offences at EON Bank in Jalan Raja Laut; Alliance Bank in Bangsar; Maybank in Desa Pandan; United Overseas Bank and at Naza Motor Trading Sdn Bhd.

Other offences were committed at CIMB Bank in Jalan Melaka, Nikko Hotel at Jalan Ampang, Standard Chartered Bank at Jalan Sultan Ismail and HSBC Bank Malaysia in Leboh Ampang.

Paiman was charged under sub-section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2001, which carries RM5 million in maximum fine or five years' jail, or both, if convicted.

Sessions Judge S. Komathy released Paiman on RM50,000 bail and impounded his passport.

Earlier, DPP Mohammad Saifuddin Hashim Musaimi urged the court to impose RM200,000 bail owing to the severity of the offences.

Counsel Christopher Fernando appealed to the court for a lesser bail as the assets of Paiman, his wife, and his immediate family members have been sealed.

He told the court it would be difficult for Paiman to post a high bail with all his assets frozen. Paiman's family posted bail.

On Sept 28, Paiman claimed trial to four counts of cheating involving investments totalling RM3,929,370 between May 2005 and August 2006. He was freed on RM100,000 bail.

Komathy set Nov 5 for submission on a request from Saifuddin for a joint trial.