KUALA LUMPUR: A former investment company director claimed trial at the Sessions Court here to a cheating charge involving losses of RM725,000 linked to a purported diesel business.
Shamsul Rijal Mohd Yussof, 74, a former director of Spectrum Global Sdn Bhd, and his ex-wife, Hamidah Ab Hamid, 62, who is also a former director of the same company, were also charged with receiving proceeds from illegal activities.
Both pleaded not guilty to the charges before Sessions Court judges Azrul Darus and Norma Ismail here on Thursday (April 23).
Shamsul Rijal was charged with cheating Afifi Ahmad, 49, by deceiving him into investing in a purported diesel business that promised profits.
He allegedly induced Afifi to transfer RM725,000 to Spectrum Global's bank account.
The offence was allegedly committed at a bank in Desa Sri Hartamas at about 2.39pm on Feb 26, 2024.
He was charged under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum jail term of 10 years, whipping, and a fine.
Shamsul Rijal was also accused of receiving RM20,000 from an account belonging to Spectrum Global, with the money — said to be proceeds from illegal activities — allegedly withdrawn through another person's bank account.
The offence was allegedly committed at a bank in Jalan Tun Razak on March 15, 2024.
He was charged under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, which carries a penalty of up to 15 years' jail and a fine of no less than five times the amount of the illegal proceeds, or RM5mil, whichever is higher, upon conviction.
Meanwhile, in a separate court, Hamidah was charged with receiving RM130,000 in proceeds from illegal activities from Spectrum Global's bank account, an offence she allegedly committed at a bank in Suria KLCC between March 6 and March 29, 2024.
Both were also jointly accused of receiving RM122,000, said to be proceeds from illegal activities, on Feb 26, 2024.
Shamsul Rijal was allowed bail of RM50,000, while Hamidah was allowed bail of RM40,000 for all charges.
Their cases were fixed for mention on June 8.
