Cat’s out of the Birkin bag for fake viral photos
PETALING JAYA: Many of the viral photos of luxury watches, handbags and cash allegedly seized in connection with the probe involving Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak are “fake”.
A quick Google Image search revealed that there were images of stock photos used.
One image showing a tray of six gold Rolex watches had earlier been widely shared on social media site Pinterest, while another image of a luggage filled with stacks of US currency was from a June 2016 robbery in the US.
The most widely distributed photo was that of 27 multicoloured Hermes Birkin handbags laid out neatly on what looks like a living room floor.
On Saturday, Singaporebased luxury goods store Shopfirstluxury clarified that the photo was actually taken in its showroom.
“If anybody receives this broadcast (viral photo), please don’t spread it again using this picture,” Shopfirstluxury wrote on its Instagram.
“In this fast information era, let’s be a responsible news readers, and think twice before sharing,” stated.
The photo of the collection of expensive handbags went viral several days after polling day on May 9.
At the same time, several Pribumi members lodged a police report claiming that they had information about an alleged attempt to transport and hide up to 50 Birkin handbags belonging to Rosmah in a luxury residence in Kuala Lumpur.
In this fast information era, let’s be responsible news readers. Shopfirstluxury
Police have searched six premises linked to Najib in their probe into the 1MDB scandal since May 16.
On May 18, police seized 284 boxes filled with designer handbags, watches, jewellery and cash in various currencies from three condominiums at Pavilion Residences in Kuala Lumpur.
Police have been photographed transporting bags and orange boxes containing the designer handbags seized from the operation but have not released any verified images of the seized items.