PUTRAJAYA: An investigation into the non-delivery of six littoral combat ships (LCS) have led investigators on a trail to millions of ringgit, believed to be connected with the project, to three Singapore-based companies.

Sources with knowledge of the case said the latest discovery has led to the detention of two individuals.

“Investigators are working on the fresh leads to see what else can be uncovered from there,” a source told The Star.

Sources, however, refused to reveal how much money was involved, adding that investigators are also in the midst of determining the links between the three companies, the two individuals, and the LCS projects.

The duo, a former top gun of Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation Bhd, and a chief executive officer of a company, were held when they were called in for questioning at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission headquarters on Monday evening.

The 79-year-old Tan Sri was released after his statement was recorded, while the CEO was remanded after investigators obtained a three-day remand order for the 49-year-old woman.

READ ALSO: Malaysia’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Project Delayed

The two are believed to have misappropriated and accepted bribes in the form of payments that were made to the three companies.

It was previously reported that the project, worth more than RM9bil, was awarded in 2014 and the order was for six LCSs to be constructed by Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (BNS).

The ship should have been delivered in April 2019, but not a single ship has been built despite the government having already paid the company RM6bil.

In November 2020, BNS’ parent company, Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation Bhd, lodged a report with the MACC for a probe to be held on possible irregularities in the LCS project.

Source: The Star