KUALA LUMPUR: Assets seized during investigation on criminal cases involving illegal financial schemes using gold can only be dealt with via court order.

Bank Negara Malaysia said in a statement that investors may file third party claim to the court for return of their money or gold, but they would only be notified when court proceedings were over.

The raids to find and seize the assets were to prevent the suspected companies from concealing evidence, other than preventing them from being lost as it would have negative impact on investors.

The statement said that the seized assets and gold during the raids would be carefully documented, accounted for and kept in a safe place.

It was issued jointly with the police, Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry and Companies Commission of Malaysia in response to public queries on raids against companies suspected of conducting illegal financial activities using gold.

The statement said that the investigation is still ongoing but the investigation depends on the complexity and seriousness of the cases.

"The complexity level has increased due to the international dimension of such cases.

"This investigation remains a top priority and all resources have been mobilised by relevant law enforcement agencies to expedite investigation."

The public is advised to be wary of investment schemes that promise high returns with low risk and refer to relevant agencies when dealing with companies or individuals offering unlicensed financial services. - Bernama

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