Businessman charged with cheating manager of over RM1.89mil

Businessman Chan Eng Leong, 48, appearing at the Sessions Court in George Town, Penang.

GEORGE TOWN: A businessman was charged in two separate Sessions Courts on Friday (Aug 12) with eight counts of cheating a tobacco firm manager, involving losses of more than RM1.89mil in 2019.

Chan Eng Leong, 48, from Bayan Lepas, Penang, pleaded not guilty after all the charges against him were read out separately before Judge Mohammad Khalid Ab Karim and Judge Mazdi Abdul Hamid.

Before Mohammad Khalid, Chan faced three charges of cheating Global Tobacco Manufacturer International Sdn Bhd director Goh Kim Heong, 39, by deceiving the latter into believing that he could settle a cigarette tax case with the Royal Customs and Excise Department.

Chan was said to commit the offences at No 29, Green Hall, George Town, Penang, on April 24, 2019.

This prompted Goh to hand him a total of RM220,020 in shares involving three companies.

Meanwhile, before Mazdi, Chan was charged with deceiving the same director into believing that he could settle a cigarette tax case with the Royal Customs and Excise Department.

This prompted Goh into handing the accused a total of RM1.675mil worth of shares to Chan.

Chan committed the offences at No 29, Green Hall, George Town, Penang, on April 24, 2019.

He faces imprisonment for up to 10 years, whipping and a fine if found guilty, under Section 420 of the Penal Code.

Deputy public prosecutor Mohammad Shahrezal Mohd Shukri, Mohammad Nazri Abdul Rahim, Chew Qi Wei and Teh Li Siew prosecuted, while Chan was represented by lawyers RSN Rayer and Arvend Rajan.

Judge Mohammad Khalid allowed Chan bail of RM100,000 with one surety while judge Mazdi allowed bail of RM130,000 with one surety, ordered for the surrendering of Chan’s passport and ordered the accused to report at the nearest police station once a month pending disposal of the case.

The court set Sept 27 for the next mention.