The biggest loser: Scam victim duped out of RM12mil

KUALA LUMPUR: Nearly half a billion ringgit was lost to investment scams last year, but one case stood out. A victim was cheated of a whopping RM12mil.

Federal Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Comm Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said the victim reported the incident in Sepang last year, marking the highest loss recorded by a single person.

“The ordeal unfolded in 2022 when the 46-year-old victim was invited to participate in a Chinese virtual currency project and was promised returns as high as 50%,” he told The Star.

Comm Ramli said the victim, a company director, transferred his money into a blockchain ewallet as instructed, but the money was subsequently moved to a personal account.

“A report was lodged by the victim and we started a probe under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating,” he said.

Comm Ramli said just several days ago, a housewife reported she lost RM811,913 to an investment scam syndicate.

“The 45-year-old victim saw an advertisement on WhatsApp. Attracted by the promised returns she contacted the business entity and transferred her cash through a series of transactions between Dec 4 and Dec 22 last year.

“However, she did not receive any returns as promised.

“She tried contacting the investee but could not get through. Her subsequent calls were then blocked,” he said.