Sophia Chin was charged with a total of 17 offences under section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities 2001 (AMLATFPUAA) for receiving proceeds of unlawful activities.

According to the charges, Sophia Chin received the illegal proceeds in her personal bank accounts as well as in several companies of which she is a director/partner. These companies include Pinetree Field Sdn Bhd, SC Wealth Planners Sdn Bhd, Quarters Venture Sdn Bhd, New Straits Venture Sdn Bhd and Quarters Capital PLT.

The alleged offences took place between 23 December 2020 and 2 October 2022 in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

The accused claimed trial to all the 17 charges preferred against her in two separate courts. Sessions Court Judge Datin Sabariah Othman granted bail at RM7 million with two sureties. She was ordered to surrender her passport to the court and to report to the SC on a monthly basis until the completion of the trial.

In a separate court, Sessions Court Judge Tuan Azrul bin Darus also granted Sophia Chin bail at RM7 million with one surety. He also imposed similar conditions on the passport surrender and reporting to SC.

If convicted, the accused shall be liable to imprisonment for up to 15 years and shall also be liable to a fine of not less than five times the sum or value of the proceeds of the unlawful activities at the time the offence was committed or RM5 million, whichever is higher.

The charges against Sophia Chin are a continuation of the SC’s enforcement action relating to the same matter against two other individuals yesterday. The SC had charged Ang Jen Chuen (Dexter Ang), and Syaiful Riezal bin Ahmad (Syaiful Riezal) for similar offences under section 4(1)(b) of AMLATFPUAA on 10 January 2024.