Probe papers on RM37 million losses
Published on: Saturday, August 10, 2024
By: Nora Ahmad
Kasim speaks during the press conference.
Kota Kinabalu: The Criminal Investigation Division of the Kota Kinabalu District Police Headquarters (IPD) opened 302 investigation papers, involving losses amounting to RM37.762 million, from May to July last year.
Kota Kinabalu District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Kasim Muda, said that out of these, 203 cases were related to online fraud, resulting in losses of RM8.151 million.
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“During this period, there were six notable cases, including five high-profile incidents where fraudsters impersonated account owners withdrew customers’ fixed savings from a commercial bank, totalling RM24.7 million, and one case of online fraud amounting to RM1.5 million,” he said during a press conference at IPD Kota Kinabalu on Thursday.
He added that 90 suspects were arrested during the same period, including 24 high-profile individuals, such as persons with “Datuk” title, government officials and bank officers.
“These suspects have been charged in the Sessions Court under Section 130V (1) of the Penal Code for Organised Crime,” Kasim said.
Commenting on the nature of these crimes, Kasim said the use of “account mules” in commercial cases, where individuals allowed their bank accounts to be used for online fraud activities.
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“During this period, we found individuals being used as ‘account mules’ or third-party victims.
“Some victims of online fraud rent out their bank cards to syndicates, who then deposit fraudulently obtained money into the mule’s account.
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“Typically, these individuals receive a one-time payment of RM200 to RM500 for renting out their accounts. If caught, they will also face prosecution,” he said.
Kasim also said “drug mules” often included ordinary individuals, such as school students, who are in desperate need of money.
“These are regular people, including students when offered money, accept without fully understanding the legal implications of allowing their accounts to be used by others,” he said.
In light of these incidents, Kasim urged the public not to be fooled by phone calls from individuals claiming to represent government agencies like the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), or the courts.
“These agencies will never contact you by phone. Once you engage with these callers, you risk falling into their traps.
The same caution applies to non-existent loan advertisements, part-time job scams, and schemes where you’re asked to pay upfront money,” he warned.
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