SHAH ALAM: The former executive chairman of a mining-related company has been charged with cheating a subcontractor over a mining project involving RM2.5mil six years ago.
According to the charge sheet, Zahri Ismail, 53, is alleged to have deceived Toh Chee Seng, 56, into believing that he could secure a mining project in Gua Musang, Kelantan.
This prompted Toh to deposit the money, in sums of RM2mil, RM250,000 and RM250,000, into three bank accounts registered in the accused's name.
The offences were allegedly committed at three banks in Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya, between June 2020 and June 30, 2021.
Zahri claimed trial after the charges were read to him before Sessions judge Datuk Mohd Nasir Nordin here on Friday (Feb 6).
The charges, framed under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, provide for up to 10 years' jail, caning and a possible fine upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor 'Atirah Mohd Azuarizanuddin proposed bail of RM100,000 with additional conditions that the accused report to the nearest MACC office once a month, and not interfere with prosecution witnesses.
Lawyer Wan Muhammad Hafiz Wan Zawawi, representing the accused, requested that no bail be imposed as his client has heart problems and has posted bail of RM50,000 and RM20,000 for related charges in Kota Baru, Kelantan, and Alor Setar, Kedah.
Judge Nasir then set bail at RM20,000 with one surety, along with the additional conditions requested by the prosecution.
He fixed March 1 for case mention.
It was previously reported that Zahri had been charged with 13 counts of misappropriating company property worth RM485,500 in Kota Baru and five counts of fraud totalling RM1.38mil in Alor Setar. – Bernama
