Man arrested over RM11,386 online loan scam in Saratok

SARATOK (March 6): A 28-year-old local man has been arrested by police to assist in investigations into a cheating case involving a non-existent online loan offer.

Saratok police chief DSP Mathew Manggie said the suspect was detained by officers from the Commercial Crime Investigation Division (CCID) of the Saratok District Police Headquarters on March 4 in Sarikei.

“The arrest was made following investigations into a cheating case involving a fake online loan offer which resulted in losses amounting to RM11,386,” he said in a statement.

Mathew said initial investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly acted as a mule account holder in the scam.

According to him, the suspect denied owning the CIMB Bank account used in the transaction but admitted that he had previously handed over his identity card to a Chinese man and an Iban man in Pakan.

“After the process was completed, his identity card was returned to him and he was given RM60,” he said.

He added that the suspect claimed he was unaware of two transactions involving deposits of RM3,643 and RM2,310 into the CIMB account.

The suspect was arrested to assist investigations under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.

“He has since been released on police bail after his statement was recorded,” said Mathew.