2 days ago
‘Datuk Seri' takes Thor for a ride in land deal
JOHOR BARU: A businessman lost RM438,000 after he was duped by a 'Datuk Seri' who claimed to have ties with a royal family and could help acquire a plot of land below market price.
The 64-year-old victim, known only as Thor, met the suspect in April last year when the latter wanted to purchase his second-hand car that was advertised on an online selling platform.
Johor MCA Youth public services and complaints bureau chief Henry Mok, who highlighted the case, said the businessman and suspect met up at a restaurant to go over the details of the vehicle purchase.
'The suspect ended up driving off with the victim's car without making a payment. The Datuk Seri kept delaying the payment, citing that the car needed repairs.
'Later, the suspect apparently sent a runner to complete the vehicle ownership transfer at Thor's shop and still, no payment was made,' he said in an interview.
'The businessman was convinced that the payment would be made because the Datuk Seri claimed that he was well connected and knew members of the royal family as well as top politicians and government officials in the country,' he added.
Mok said the suspect also showed photographs of himself with various VIPs to gain the victim's trust.
'In April last year, the suspect apparently offered to help the victim acquire a plot of land for RM30,000 instead of the market value of RM100,000.
'The suspect claimed that he could use his connections to obtain the necessary approvals for the land, which would be used for a special project, and the victim believed him,' he said.
Mok said Thor handed RM26,000 in cash to the suspect on April 20 last year.
In four months, he said the businessman made more than 20 bank deposits, with the amount ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of ringgit, into the suspect's personal and company accounts.
'The suspect claimed that the payments were for various reasons such as land application fees, tax processing fees and charges to clean up and level the plot of land allegedly purchased by the victim,' Mok said, adding that the total amount exceeded RM438,000.
'Along the way, the suspect purportedly impersonated a police officer to intimidate and force Thor to hand over his luxury multi-purpose vehicle.
'Thor only realised he had been cheated when there was no progress on the supposed land purchase and no official documents were provided,' Mok said.
He added that the last time Thor was in contact with the Datuk Seri was on May 5 this year.
Realising that he had been duped, the victim sought help from Mok and lodged a police report on Aug 8.
Mok reminded the public against trusting claims and promises made by individuals before committing to an agreement or investment.
When contacted, Johor Baru South OCPD Asst Comm Raub Selamat said the investigation is ongoing, but no arrests have been made so far.
