EXCLUSIVE | The former high-ranking intelligence officers who are being investigated by MACC had received a total of US$12 million from a foreign source, which was brought in through the Middle East.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior investigation officer said the money was brought to Malaysia ahead of the May 9 general election.

However, he refused to reveal further details on the source of the funds.

"What we found so far is that the suspects used their authority to get special access through the airport (in Malaysia),” he said, adding that MACC is probing if the cash was used for the election.