Lawas police nab two account mule suspects linked to peninsula scams

LAWAS (March 5): Police here have arrested two individuals on suspicion of acting as bank account mules in connection with separate scam cases reported in Peninsular Malaysia.

Lawas police chief DSP Liong Tindan said the one suspect, a 62-year-old female trader, was detained on Wednesday over a case reported in Selangor last September, involving losses of RM14,700.

“The woman claimed she was unaware that her bank account had been used by others for fraudulent activities,” he said in a statement.

Liong said the other suspect, a 32-year-old man, was picked up on Tuesday in connection with an investment scam reported in Negeri Sembilan in August last year, involving losses of RM2,000.

He said the man also claimed that he did not know that his bank account had been used for fraudulent purposes.

“Background checks on both suspects found neither had any prior criminal record,” he added.

Both cases are being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.

Separately, Liong said a man here lodged a police report on March 1 after falling victim to a non-existent loan scam.

He said the man came across an advertisement on a social media platform offering financial loans and contacted a number listed to apply.

“He was asked to make payments for legal fees and processing charges, and proceeded to transfer a total of RM11,540.

“He only realised he had been cheated when he never received the loan,” said Liong.