SHAH ALAM (March 15): A former Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd property manager and his wife have been charged with 18 counts of money laundering involving RM945,986.

Len Chia Whey, 37, and his wife Tong Karen, 36, pleaded not guilty after all the charges were read out to them before Sessions Court judge Rozilah Salleh today.

Len was charged with 12 counts of laundering RM457,986.63 and another charge involving RM300,000 worth of foreign currency. Tong was charged with five counts of laundering RM188,000. The charges were framed under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds from Unlawful Activities Act 2001.

According to the charge sheets, the property manager allegedly received bribes from several contractors, who were awarded gas station construction projects from 2017 to 2019.

The bribe money was then believed to have been laundered by the two suspects through various investments, as well as to buy luxury cars.

If convicted, the couple each faces imprisonment of no more than 15 years and a fine of not less than five times the sum of the unlawful proceeds, for each of the charges.

Judge Rozilah set bail at RM50,000 for Len and RM30,000 for Tong, which the couple posted. They also surrendered their passports.

Both of the accused were represented by Gooi & Azura Advocates and Solicitors while the prosecution was led by deputy public prosecutors Allan Suman Pillai and Maziah Mohaide.