Cops hunting for man over holiday package scam

KUCHING: Police are currently on the hunt for a 30-year-old man in connection with a holiday package scam which resulted in losses of RM118,567.

Sarawak Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) head Supt Mustafa Kamal Gani Abdullah said a total of 32 police reports were filed against the suspect between Dec 23 last year and March 8.

“The suspect’s modus operandi was to offer tour packages to his victims and convince them to transfer the payment to his personal bank account for flight ticket registration purposes,” he said in a statement yesterday.

He said of the 32 reports lodged, police have opened five investigation papers under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.

The 32 victims, added Mustafa Kamal, hail from Kuching, Miri, Sibu, Padawan and Sri Aman. “Among the holiday destinations offered via the suspect in his tour package were Gunung Kinabalu, Korea, Vietnam, Bangkok, Japan, Turkey and Nepal.

“The victims made payments ranging from RM274 to RM38,250, depending on their chosen holiday package. After making payment, they realised they had been cheated when they were no longer able to contact the suspect.”

Those with information regarding this case can contact Sarawak CCID investigating officer Inspector Zurraidda Bujang (019-8274217) or operation intelligence officer Inspector Hamizan Ismail (016-4455695).