36 Charged in Port Dickson Over Alleged Investment Scam

Thirty-six Chinese nationals have been charged in a Malaysian court for allegedly orchestrating an online investment scam that targeted their fellow citizens.

Appearing before Magistrate Mohd Farez Rahman in Port Dickson on Tuesday, the 36 suspects (31 men and five women aged between 22 and 39) were charged with conspiring to defraud individuals through fraudulent investment schemes. They did not enter a plea as no Mandarin interpreter was available.

According to authorities, the group operated an online call center from a house in Taman Tanjung. Police raided the premises on August 21, seizing 94 mobile phones, 36 laptops, and other electronic equipment with an estimated value of RM220,000. These items suggest a highly organized operation.

The charges were filed under Section 420 of the Penal Code, read with Section 120B(2). If convicted, the suspects face a maximum sentence of six months in jail, a fine, or both.

Bail Denied Amid Risk Concerns

The court proceedings highlighted the difficulties in granting bail to foreign nationals. Defence lawyer Chang Kai Ping requested bail for his clients, arguing they had already been in police custody for nearly two weeks. However, Deputy Public Prosecutor Azriff Firdaus Mohamad Ali strongly objected, citing a significant risk of flight.

The prosecution revealed that immigration checks showed the suspects' travel passes were either expired or non-existent. A letter from the Chinese embassy confirmed that their passports had been revoked due to prior offences in China. The accused were also unable to provide documentation to prove the legitimacy of their activities in Malaysia or provide a local address for a relative.

Magistrate Mohd Farez Rahman denied bail, stating that it could only be considered for foreign suspects who possess valid travel documents, a verified local address, and two local guarantors. He ruled that the accused would remain in custody and fixed the case for mention on September 12, when a Mandarin interpreter will be present.