A businessman bearing the title “Datuk”, who is currently serving a five-year prison sentence for being a member of the “Geng Upik” organised crime group, has pleaded not guilty to nine money laundering charges involving RM821,950.
Maslan Sani, 43, entered his plea before the Sessions Court on Tuesday after the charges were read out.
According to the charge sheets, Maslan allegedly received proceeds from unlawful activities through cash deposits into two CIMB Islamic bank accounts at various branches in Kota Kinabalu, Tawau and Lahad Datu between 10 January 2016 and 11 April 2018.
The charges were brought under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, punishable under Section 4(1) of the same Act.
If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a fine of not less than five times the value of the alleged unlawful proceeds or RM5 million, whichever is higher.
Sessions Court Judge Zaini Fishir @ Fisal fixed 11 August for pre-trial case management.
The prosecution was led by Deputy Public Prosecutors Mohd Ashrof Adrin Kamarul and Wan Ahmad Hakimi Wan Ahmad Jaafar, while Maslan was represented by lawyers Abdul Fikry Jaafar Abdullah and Mohd Azhier Farhan Arisin.
Maslan is already serving a five-year jail sentence after the High Court, on 5 June 2025, convicted him upon his guilty plea for being a member and leader of the “Geng Upik” organised crime group.
The offence was committed between 2015 and 24 December 2023 in Kota Kinabalu and was prosecuted under Section 130V(1) of the Penal Code.
