A SENIOR citizen claimed she lost RM3.5 million after falling prey to a scam in a bid to free her daughter from Kajang Prison, Selangor.

Johor deputy police chief M. Kumar said the 67-year-old met a local man in March 2020 who claimed to have connections with the investigation officer in her daughter’s case, and could help to release her for a sum of money.

He said her daughter, 38, was charged in 2019 under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 and the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012.

“The victim handed over RM3.5 million in cash to the man in stages from March 2020 until now, until she finally realised she had been cheated as the man kept making excuses about her daughter’s release.

“Acting on this information, a team from the Criminal Investigation Department of the Johor contingent police headquarters, assisted by the Bukit Aman CID, arrested a 35-year-old man on June 16 at 12.35am in the city,” he said in a statement today.

He said the case is being investigated under section 420 of the penal code, which is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment, whipping, and a fine, upon conviction.

“We advise the public to be cautious in dealing with strangers. 

“If you are a victim of any scam, please contact the National Scam Response Centre at 997 to prevent funds from being transferred out of your account,” he said. – Bernama, June 26, 2023.