Plot twist as Cambodia jobs scam probe identifies 2 victims as suspects
KUCHING: Police investigation into the Cambodia jobs scam has taken a twist, with two of the released detainees now identified as suspects in the case.
Sarawak Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) head Supt Mustafa Kamal Gani Abdullah said based on evidence gathered thus far, police have established that not all of the 40 Sarawakians involved were true victims.
“Some of them are victims while some are suspects. From the evidence we have and from immigration records, some of them have been to Cambodia more than once, with the highest number of visits at 17 times,” he said in a press conference here yesterday.
He said police are now attempting to track down the two victims-turned-suspects, whom he identified as Chang Ying Shiong, 31, and Lai King Long, 25, as well as a third suspect, Mohd Ghafar Abdul Jamal, 26.
“They have been identified as the suspects in this case. We appeal to them to come forward to facilitate our investigation which is still active”.
Mustafa Kamal said police had reason to believe the three men were local facilitators in the scam, which he described as an ‘international’ operation as it involved foreign citizens.
The police, he added, are currently in the process of identifying more suspects.
“At this point of time, I can’t tell you how many (more suspects) but I will be able to (reveal more) after we conclude the investigation.
“Based on the records we have, the three suspects are still in the country unless they have snuck out through illegal routes.
“We have been unable to find them, hence the decision to go through the media in the hope of expediting the investigation,” he explained.
He also said apart from the two now-wanted former detainees, 10 other victims had yet to lodge reports or provide their statement to the police over the incident.
They are Lai Wen Siang, Mark Rogers William Nun, Michelle Rinta Winston Nyulang, Chin Kok Siong, Dixon Chong Yew Yui, Gibson Golip, Grevina Golip, Hong Yee Chai, Jong Chance Full, and Krisyanto A. Ajiu.
When asked why the 10 had not come forward to assist in the investigation, Mustafa Kamal said only they themselves knew the reason why.
“We have given them ample time to see us, and they can just go to the nearest police station to lodge a report. We have also released a contact number for them to call us. So the answer (on why they haven’t done so) is best known to them.”
Members of the public with information on the whereabouts of the three suspects can call investigating officer ASP Pricha Azin on 019-8897640.
Of the 40 Sarawakians involved, 14 are Chinese followed by Malay (11), Iban (7), Bidayuh (7) and Kayan (1).