JOHOR BARU: Two Chinese nationals have been sentenced to one month jail and a fine of RM7,000 for committing love scams at a call centre based in Forest City.
Lin Kun Chi, 32, and Bai Kan Sen, 30, pleaded guilty to the act, which took place at an apartment unit in Forest City, Tanjung Kupang in Gelang Patah at 12.16pm on July 15.
They were charged under Section 417 of the Penal Code for cheating and Section 120B(1) for criminal conspiracy. The charges were read to them in Mandarin at the Magistrate’s Court here yesterday.
Both men were accused of acting with common intention to carry out a criminal conspiracy and taking part in it, having agreed among themselves to commit the unlawful deed of deceiving victims through love scams.
Lin and Bai pleaded for lighter sentences, claiming that they came to Malaysia after being lured by fake job opportunities.
Magistrate A. Shaarmini handed them a one-month jail sentence and a fine of RM7,000 in default six months’ imprisonment.
During the proceedings, 18 Indonesians, including five women, were also charged with committing the same offence at the same date and location.
They pleaded not guilty and asked for a lower bail amount, saying they were also victims of fake job offers, which led them to come to Malaysia.
The magistrate set bail at RM50,000 in two Malaysian sureties for each of the accused, and ordered them to surrender their passports to the court.
The court set Aug 11 for next mention.
Deputy public prosecutor Anis Syafeeqah Mohd Shariffudin prosecuted while the accused were unrepresented.
On Tuesday, Johor police chief Comm Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said 335 individuals were arrested at 32 premises at Forest City in relation to various scams including love scams, currency scams and cryptocurrency fraud.
Prior to yesterday, a total of 159 suspects had been charged in court with criminal conspiracy in relation to cryptocurrency fraud.
Meanwhile, Forest City issued a statement yesterday on its commitment to working closely with the authorities to combat criminal activities and strengthen public safety within its development.
It also welcomed the proposal for a permanent police presence in Forest City and that they are prepared to provide full cooperation and support for the initiative.
