Two missing fighter jet engines worth $29 million, stolen from a Malaysian military airbase, have been found in Uruguay and authorities there have been asked to help in bringing them back to the country.
Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail said the Government had initiated the necessary
procedures for their return.
"We have sought the assistance of the relevant authorities in Uruguay to seek confirmation on the location of the engines and their subsequent return. This was done in accordance with the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 2002," he said in a statement yesterday.
Two J85-Ge-21 engines which power the F5 fighter jets were reported stolen from two Royal Malaysian Air Force facilities on Dec 20, 2007 and Jan 1, 2008.
The engines, purchased in 1972, were removed to Argentina and off-loaded to another vessel bound for Uruguay.
Following the disclosure, a RMAF sergeant and company director were charged and claimed trial at the Sessions Court here in connection with the missing engines.
Abdul Gani said the Government as the legitimate owner of the engines, had also contacted the Uruguayan Embassy in Kuala Lumpur and the Central Authority Advisory for Mutual Legal Assistance of Uruguay for the recovery and return of the engines.