Datuk Seri nabbed over ‘profit-sharing’ scam

KUALA LUMPUR: It seemed at first like a company intent on “sharing profits” with small and medium industries (SMI).

The company, Kongsi Makan Investment Scheme Bhd, also gave the impression that it was intent on sharing opportunities with entrepreneurs.

It promised bonuses of between RM800 and RM1,200 for a RM1,700 participation fee, which would be returned after three months.

However the money never came, prompting Bukit Aman to step in.

Federal Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Comm Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said his department had received 113 reports on the scheme so far.

“The reports involved losses of at least RM3.75mil.

“Based on these reports, we formed a task force and raided a house in Melaka, resulting in the arrest of a Datuk Seri believed to be the scheme’s mastermind,” he said.

He said investigations revealed that the 39-year-old was the chairman of the company.

“We also seized a Range Rover, two mobile phones and various company documents.

“We have handed over the seizures and suspect to Kuala Lumpur CCID.

“The suspect has been remanded for three days for investigations into fraud,” he said, adding that police would also be taking action under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.

He said investigations revealed that the company was set up in 2015 and was still actively operating.

“The company claims to help SMIs by selling their products through stockists that it owns.

“Our investigations also revealed that there were between 70,000 and 80,000 people participating in the scheme,” he said.

Comm Acryl Sani urged the public to be cautious and avoid being duped by fraudulent schemes.

“If you are offered returns on investments that are higher than market offers, check with the authorities immediately.

“Lodge a police report immediately if you think an investment scheme is fraudulent,” he said, adding that cooperation between police and the public was the key to curbing such scams.

Our investigations also revealed that there were between 70,000 and 80,000 people participating in the scheme.

Comm Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah