A real estate agent in Kota Kinabalu has been arrested for using RM85,000 meant for a land purchase for her personal expenses instead of paying the money to the supposed “landowner” in Penampang. The 44-year-old suspect managed to convince a buyer to purchase land in Penampang, but it was later discovered that the land did not exist.
The police chief of Penampang, Deputy Supt Sammy Newton, revealed that the suspect’s modus operandi involved deceiving potential buyers by offering non-existent land for sale. Once the unsuspecting buyer handed over a cash deposit of RM85,000, the suspect kept the money for herself.
Another case of fraud involved a 31-year-old woman who scammed another woman who desperately needed cash. The victim met the suspect, who introduced her to her elder brother. The brother then took the victim to a moneylender, claiming to help her with a loan process. A few days later, the suspect called the victim, informing her that her brother had beaten up the moneylender and her loan application was at risk. To prevent any issues, the victim was coerced into depositing RM7,200 into the suspect’s account for her brother’s bail and to ensure the loan application’s approval.
The police have taken both suspects into custody for further investigation. They are being charged under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. Deputy Supt Sammy Newton has advised the public to be cautious of scammers.
