Five arrested over RM3 mln durian investment scams

KOTA KINABALU: Five men, including a wanted suspect, have been arrested by police for their involvement in about 155 ‘Musang King durian’ investment scams with losses amounting to RM3,197,465.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Omar Mammah said the suspects were believed to be part of the Musang King durian investment syndicate that promised huge returns.

“Four of the suspects were detained in Kota Kinabalu while the fifth suspect was picked up by their counterpart in Gombak, Selangor.

“One of the suspects is also wanted by police in Semenanjung,” he said during a press conference at the state police headquarters in Kepayan yesterday.

According to police investigation, the modus operandi of the syndicate was to advertise the Musang King durian investment through social media such as Facebook, WhatsApp and Telegram promising huge returns in a short period of time.

Among the alleged ‘package offered for return of investment’ by the company were an investment of RM350 with a return of RM12.25 per day for 66 days; investment of RM1,250 with return of RM50 per day for 66 days; investment of RM3,000 with return of RM135 per day for 66 days; and investment of RM6,000 with return of RM300 per day for 66 days.

“Police investigation also revealed the syndicate has been in operation since August this year and became active within three months.

“None of the victims also claimed to have met any of the suspects involved,” said Omar.

The arrests of the five suspects, aged 25 to 36, were made between Nov 30 and Dec 12, said Omar, adding that the case would be investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property.

Meanwhile in a similar case, two local women were apprehended by police for their involvement in a ‘cheap air flight ticket’ scam.

Omar said a total of 71 reports have been lodged by victims with losses amounting to RM162,285.

“Police investigation revealed that the syndicate would appoint free agents and offered them commissions for getting customers.

“The syndicate’s modus operandi was revealed following a police report lodged by one of the victim on Nov 23, who claimed to have made payment of RM6,000 for purchase of the so-called cheap air flight tickets but never received any flight tickets,” said Omar, adding that the payment was made through a bank account that was provided by the syndicate.

Omar said the scam was also advertised through social media such as Facebook, WhatsApp and Telegram.