Malaysian police seize $273M in raid on former PM's properties

June 27 (UPI) -- Malaysian police seized cash, jewelry, handbags and watches worth an estimated $273 million in a raid on properties belonging to former Prime Minister Najib Razak.

Police commissioner Amar Singh confirmed officials conducted the raids on six properties belonging to Razak and his wife, Rosmah Mansor, as part of an investigation into his 1Malaysia Development Berhad state fund.

"I think this is the biggest seizure in Malaysian history," Singh said. "So now you can understand why we couldn't do the counting at the premises itself? Because the numbers were just too huge."

Police seized more than 12,000 items including $12.7 million worth of Hermes handbags, $19 million worth of watches from makers such as Rolex, Richard Mille and Chopard, and 274 pairs of designer sunglasses from brands including Cartier, Versace and Dior valued at $19.4 million.

The most expensive single item was a gold and diamond necklace worth $1.6 million.

Police formed eight teams consisting of more than 150 officers and worked for weeks to analyze the items.

Singh said Razak and Mansor will be called to give statements regarding the investigation. Attorney General Tommy Thomas also is studying investigation papers for possible criminal or civil proceedings, after Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said Najib would be charged with bribery and embezzlement of public funds.

Mahathir is looking to recoup $4.5 billion of funds possibly lost through 1MDB.