Part-time Project Manager Claims Trial To 68 Money Laundering Charges Totalling Over RM688,000

SHAH ALAM, Aug 12 (Bernama) -- A part-time project manager pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here today to 68 counts of money laundering involving more than RM688,000.

R. Vikram Menon, 46, entered his plea after all charges were read before Judge Awang Kerisnada Awang Mahmud.

He is accused of transferring and disposing of illicit funds totalling RM688,916.85 between Oct 17, 2023, and Oct 15, 2024, in Damansara.

The offences allegedly involved 301 transactions to 67 bank accounts for fund transfers, and 159 transactions for online and cash disposals ranging from RM1,000 to over RM90,000.

Vikram Menon was charged under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, which carries a maximum jail term of 15 years and a fine of at least five times the value of the illicit proceeds or RM5 million, whichever is higher, upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Wan Nur Amanina Wan Din sought bail of RM80,000 for all charges with one surety.

The accused’s lawyer, S. Kulasegaran, however, appealed to the court to consider a lower amount of RM30,000, arguing that bail was intended to secure the accused’s attendance in court and not to serve as punishment.

The court set bail at RM70,000 with one surety, and ordered the accused to report to the Sungai Buloh police headquarters at the start of every month, surrender his passport, and refrain from contacting prosecution witnesses.

The next case mention was fixed for Oct 13.

-- BERNAMA