KUALA LUMPUR: A lawyer lost RM330,243 after his law firm partner fraudulently withdrew funds from a client's account, says Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Comm Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf.
The 49-year-old lawyer filed a police report on September 7, alleging that between 2012 and 2014, the suspect forged his signature on several cheques, siphoning RM339,243 from the client’s account for personal use.
"After being confronted, the suspect promised to return the stolen funds," Comm Ramli said during a press conference at the CCID headquarters on Tuesday (Sept 24).
Trusting the suspect, the victim took out a personal loan and even sold his house to replace the misappropriated funds. However, the suspect has yet to repay him.
Comm Ramli emphasised the seriousness of criminal acts committed by legal practitioners, saying, "Lawyers are trusted by the public to safeguard their interests and individuals who seek legal services usually place their full trust in them."
He also commended the Bar Council for taking a firmer stance on curbing misconduct among lawyers and reiterated the police's commitment to fully cooperate with the council to address the issue.
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