22-04-2025
RM24.2 million fixed deposit fraud: Eight submit representation letters to AGC
Published on: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Published on: Tue, Apr 22, 2025
By: Jo Ann Mool Text Size: The case was fixed for mention on Monday, for the parties to update the court on the status of the representations submitted by the accused. Kota Kinabalu: Eight of the 10 individuals, including two bank managers, charged with being members of an organised crime group linked to fraudulent withdrawal of RM24.2 million from fixed deposit accounts, have submitted letters of representation to the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) regarding the case. Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Nazran Mohd Sham informed High Court Judge Datuk Duncan Sikodol on Monday that the prosecution had received representations from eight accused persons, namely Josepin J. Langkan, Leong Hin Ping, Vireonis Jonok, Hasran Magin, Subramaniam Thangavelu, Sugumaran K. Ponniah, Mazlani Jenuary and Nasir Abdul Rasid. Nazran said that the eight had submitted representations for the charges to be reviewed. As for the other two remaining accused persons, Nazran said they are considering submitting representation letters as well. The two are Iren Chin Nyuk Thien and Christina @ Caroline Pianus Etip. The case was fixed for mention on Monday, for the parties to update the court on the status of the representations submitted by the accused. The 10 were separately charged with being members of an organised crime group involved in serious offences for the material benefit of the group led by Josepin J. Langkan between April 26, 2024 and July 10 the same year at the MBSB branch, here. They are contractor Josepin J. Langkan, 38; Subramaniam Thangavelu, 56, a teacher; Nasir Abdul Rasid, 60, a pensioner; Iren Chin Nyuk Thien, 38, and Christina @ Caroline Pianus Etip, 53, both branch bank managers; Sugumaran K. Ponniah, 56, a self-employed; Vireonis Jonok, 35, an unemployed; Leong Hin Ping, 62, a pensioner; Hasran Magin, 46, a fisherman; and Mazlani Jenuary, 53, an unemployed. The charges stated that Josepin allegedly committed the crime between April 26 and June 17, Subramaniam (between May 9 and July 4), Nasir (between April 26, and July 1), Chin (between April 26, and June 13), Christina (between May 9 and June 17), Sugumaran (between May 17 and July 3), Vireonis (between June 5 and June 26), Leong (between April 26 and July 10), Hasran (between April 26 and June 1) and Mazlani (between April 26 and July 4). The 10, on Nov 7, 2024, claimed trial to the charge under Section 130V(1) of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of between five and 20 years, on conviction. Duncan fixed May 27 and June 5 for mention to update the court on the representations by the accused. The court also directed that the trial date previously set for May 13-15 be vacated. Josepin, Leong and Vireonis were represented by counsel Hairul V Othman and Luke Ressa Balang; Subramaniam was represented by counsel Datuk Ram Singh and Prem Elmer Ganasan; Sugumaran, Nasir and Mazlani were defended by counsel Dominic Chew and Ariel Dasan; Chin was represented by counsel Mohd Al Hafidz Mohd Lokman and Luqman Syazwan Zabidi; Christina was represented by counsel Arthur and Hasran was represented by counsel Azhier Farhan. All accused, except Chin and Vireonis, were ordered to be remanded further. Chin and Vireonis were released on extended court bail. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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