KUCHING: Sixteen locals, including five women, have been charged in the Magistrate’s Court for their alleged involvement in a criminal conspiracy related to an online investment scam.
The group, aged between 20 and 37, pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Mason Jaro Lenya Bin Barayan to a charge under Section 120B (1) of the Penal Code, read together with Section 417 of the same Code yesterday (Sept 5).
If found guilty, the accused could face up to five years in prison, a fine, or both.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata said that the court granted each accused a RM1,000 bail with a local surety.
He added that the court has scheduled Oct 15 for case management.
“Eleven men and five women committed the offence between July and August.
“The group was arrested on Aug 14 at a premise in Kuching for committing the offence of criminal conspiracy by carrying out non-existent online investment scam activities,” he said in a statement.
The case is being investigated under Sections 420 and 120B (1) of the Penal Code for cheating and criminal conspiracy.
ASP Suziana Sulaiman was the prosecuting officer, while the accused were represented by counsel Francis Wee.
