KUCHING: An elderly man here lost RM415,000 after falling victim to a scam involving fake Haj permits and a hotel business in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Kuching police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the 62-year-old victim met the suspect, a Malay man, on Oct 30 last year at a restaurant near the Clock Tower area in Makkah.
"The suspect offered assistance in obtaining Hajj permits as well as an opportunity to participate in a hotel business for pilgrim accommodation during the Hajj and Umrah seasons.
"Lured by the offer, the victim performed six online payment transactions into two different bank accounts," he said in a statement here on Tuesday night (April 28).
Alexson said the first payment was made on Nov 10, 2024, by the victim from his Kuching residence.
The victim lost a total of RM415,000.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which carries a jail term of 1 to 10 years, whipping, and a fine upon conviction. – Bernama
