A well-known wholesale jeweller from Lebanon has filed a US$14.79 million (RM59.831 million) suit against Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor over a consignment of 44 pieces of jewellery which were sent to her in February, and seized by the police in May.

Newsportal Malaysiakini reported that the suit was filed last month by Global Royalty Trading SAL against Rosmah at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on June 26 through the firm of Messrs David Gurupatham and Koay.

The Malaysiakini exclusive said the Beirut-based firm alleged that former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s wife was a long-standing customer, and that the company also sold pieces of jewellery around the world, including to royal families.

Global Royalty claimed that as in previous years, the company would send a consignment of jewellery to Rosmah according to her demand for her to evaluate and purchase, and to be paid by her or by a third party.

The company said pieces of jewellery that were not chosen would be returned.

Global Royalty further alleged that at times, Rosmah would borrow the jewellery, and she or her agent would receive them in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Dubai.

The company claimed that a handover memorandum would accompany the jewellery consignment, describing the terms and conditions.

Global Royalty said it had on Feb 10 this year, sent the 44 pieces of jewellery, which included diamond necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets and a tiara, each costing between US$124,000 and US$925,000.

The company claimed that Rosmah, in a letter dated May 22, acknowledged receiving those items.

“She had acknowledged in writing on receiving the consignment. However, it is no longer in her custody as it had been seized by the Malaysian authorities,” the statement of claim read.

The terms and conditions of the memorandum included the delivery and return of the jewellery, and that the title of the jewellery remains with the consignor, the owner of the items.

In the suit, Global Royalty sought a declaration from the court that it is the rightful owner of the 44 items of jewellery.

The company further sought a mandatory order for the items to be returned or alternatively, if those items cannot be returned, that Rosmah pays the amount stated based on the value of the jewellery.

The case management on the matter will be held today.

In May, the police raided and seized cash and jewellery from two condominium units linked to Najib in the upmarket Pavilion Residences in Kuala Lumpur.

Najib has since claimed trial to three charges of criminal breach of trust and one for abuse of power relating to funds involving SRC International.

He is out on RM1 million bail pending trial.

Source: NST