SARATOK: Two local men were arrested on suspicion of allowing their bank accounts to be used for fraud linked to losses exceeding RM86,000.
The suspects are aged 23 and 25 and allegedly acted as account mules for scam syndicates.
Saratok OCPD Dept Supt Mathew Manggie detailed the arrests in a statement on Thursday (November 13).
The first arrest occurred in Saratok at about 2pm on Nov 10.
A 23-year-old man was arrested over a phone scam case originating from Pahang with losses of RM23,050.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
“During the investigation, the suspect admitted to opening a bank savings account while on a scholarship,” said DSP Manggie.
He claimed his ATM card was lost and denied knowing the complainant or handing his card to anyone.
The suspect was released on police bail after his statement was recorded.
On Wednesday (Nov 12) at about 11.30am, a second man was arrested in Kabong.
The 25-year-old suspect is believed to be linked to three scam probes in Sabah, Selangor and Johor with total losses of RM63,314.12.
“He claimed to be unaware of the funds and said he had handed the ATM card to a colleague to receive his salary,” added Manggie.
The second suspect was also released on police bail after his statement was recorded and his fingerprints taken.
Manggie warned the public against ceding control of their bank accounts.
“Allowing your account to be used for transactions you do not control is a serious offence,” he said.
“You become part of a criminal chain that preys on victims,” he added.
Both cases are being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
