The revelation that an alleged Malaysian scam kingpin was released after paying 10 million ringgit (US$2.4 million) fine has sparked public outrage over claims of preferential treatment for a man at the centre of a controversial photo-op with Prime Minister Anwar IbrahimLiow Soon Hee – better known as Nicky Liow – was cleared of all 26 money-laundering charges involving more than 36 million ringgit, the country’s top prosecutor said on Friday. Authorities earlier believed he led a multimillion ringgit criminal organisation dubbed the “Nicky Gang”. “Based on the overall evidence at hand, and the evaluation and judgment of the prosecution, the department agreed to offer a compound totalling 10 million ringgit,” the AGC said in Friday’s statement. A photo of Nicky Liow circulated by police while he was on the run. Photo: Royal Malaysian Police“The amount was agreed to by Nicky Liow and it was paid on May 29, 2023,” the AGC said.