Cops: RM17.5mil lost to 'Planetrade' investment scam, over 90 reports lodged

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 92 police reports have been lodged against the "Planetrade" investment scheme, which incurred about RM17.5mil in losses since two years ago.

Police secretary Deputy Comm Datuk Noorsiah Mohd Saaduddin said three men and six women were detained in connection with the investment scheme last year.

"Of those arrested, the main suspect, who is the scheme's mastermind, has been charged under Section 420 of the Penal Code and Section 137(1) of the Financial Services Act 2013.

"Another suspect, the company director, was also charged under Section 109 of the Penal Code while seven others were released and became prosecution witnesses," she said in a statement on Friday (April 7).

Various assets and funds belonging to the company were seized including RM700,533 in 27 bank accounts, six vehicles worth a total RM1.1mil and 11 million stocks, DCP Noorsiah said.

"The investigation was conducted thoroughly. Those arrested had roles in managing or promoting the investment scam.

"Among those arrested were investors who acted as authorised introducer. They received payments for every investor they brought in," she added.

She urged those who became victims of the investment scam to lodge a police report as soon as possible.

"We also advise the public to be wary and not be duped by investment scams.

"Get information from credible sources including Semak Mule, Alert List Bank Negara Malaysia and Securities Commission before deciding to invest in any scheme," she said.