By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 29: A 62-year-old local man has lost RM415,000 after falling victim to a face-to-face fraud involving an alleged offer to secure a Hajj permit and participate in a hotel business in Mecca.
Kuching District Police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the Commercial Crime Investigation Division (CCID) of the Kuching District Police Headquarters received the report regarding the incident.
“Based on initial investigations, the victim met the suspect, identified as a Malay man, on Oct 30, 2024 at a restaurant in Mecca, where he was offered assistance to obtain a Hajj permit as well as an opportunity to invest in a hotel business catering to pilgrims during the Hajj and Umrah seasons.
“Believing the offer to be genuine, the victim proceeded to make six online money transfers to two different bank accounts. The first transaction was made while he was at his home in Kuching, Sarawak on Nov 10, 2024,” he said in a statement yesterday (April 28).
The total losses incurred amounted to RM415,000.
Alexson added that the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which provides for imprisonment of between one and 10 years, caning, and a fine upon conviction.
Police have advised the public to be cautious of unsolicited business offers, especially those made by unknown individuals in face-to-face meetings.
They also urged the public to verify all claims and seek guidance from relevant authorities or agencies before engaging in any matters related to Hajj permits or investment opportunities. — DayakDaily
