KUALA LUMPUR, July 19 — The Sessions Court has acquitted and discharged a businessman from three charges of allegedly deceiving his acquaintance over the payment of overdue tax arrears with the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) between 2021 and 2022.
Judge Datuk Anita Harun found that the defence had successfully raised a reasonable doubt on the case against Datuk Seri Azraie Jamaludin, 47.
"Therefore, the accused is acquitted and discharged from all three charges," she said.
Azraie was accused of deceiving Ahmad Rahimi Ahmad Fauzan by tricking him into settling overdue tax arrears with the IRB through a transfer of RM1.25 million into his (Azraie) bank account.
The alleged offences occurred at Jalan Bukit Kiara 1, Bukit Kiara, between September 30, 2021, and January 6, 2022,
The accused was charged under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which provides for imprisonment of between one and ten years, caning, and may include a fine, upon conviction.
Four prosecution witnesses and one defence witness, namely the accused, testified during the trial, which began on January 19.
Deputy public prosecutor Akmalzatul Mohamed Nawi handled the prosecution, while the accused was represented by lawyer D. Yasinthra.
— Bernama
