KOTA KINABALU: Eighty foreigners have been charged with criminal conspiracy after they were arrested for online scam activities at the Tawau Magistrate's Court.
The 80, including 78 from China and one each from Myanmar and Laos, pleaded not guilty to charges under Section 120B, read with Section 34 of the Penal Code on Wednesday (April 15).
They were accused of scamming people via phone and video calls by pretending to be policemen from China.
Some faced charges under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating while others were also charged with Immigration offences.
During proceedings before Magistrate Dayang Aidaku Amira Aminuddin, the accused nodded when asked if they understood the charges relayed via a translator and pleaded not guilty to the offences mentioned.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Shearil Aizad Murnizam did not offer bail to ensure all turn up for the next session.
The court, however, allowed 57 bail of RM3,500 with two local sureties and set May 25 for their next pre-trial case management and discovery.
Another 23 were not offered bail as they faced Immigration offences.
They were brought before Sessions Court Judge Ahmad Faizadh Yahaya and 22 pleaded not guilty for entering or remaining in Malaysia without a valid pass or permit under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
Another pleaded not guilty for overstaying in this country under Section 15(1)(c) of the same Act.
The court ordered all 23 accused to be detained at Tawau Prison pending proceedings.
They will return to court on May 25 for pre-trial case management and to hand over documents as required by the court.
Asst Supt Jeffrey Kadisun prosecuted.
It was previously reported that 80 people aged from 17 to 46 pretending to be tourists at a resort were arrested for involvement in an online scam syndicate during a crackdown at around 9.20pm on April 7.
