KUALA LUMPUR – Losses due to commercial crimes from January until last Sunday have reached RM1.78 billion, marking a 24 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.
This amounts to over RM6.6 million in losses daily over 266 days.
Federal poilce Commercial Crime Investigation Department Director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said that on average, 81 cases of commercial crime were recorded daily during this period.
"As of the 38th week of this year, a total of 21,441 commercial crime cases have been recorded, with overall losses amounting to RM1,782,164,310,” he said.
In comparison, he said, the number of recorded cases had decreased by 11 per cent compared to the same period last year, which saw a total of 23,958 cases.
"However, the total value of losses shows a different trend, with a 24 per cent increase compared to last year, which only recorded RM1,442,942,934 in losses,” he added.
Ramli highlighted that 48 per cent, or 10,198 investigation papers, have successfully led to charges being filed in court.
"This percentage is higher than during the same period last year, which recorded 43 per cent, or 10,224, of the total investigation papers opened.
"The decline in commercial crime cases is a positive sign that the public is becoming more aware of the threat posed by such crimes,” he said.
Meanwhile, the police have detected an investment fraud syndicate using bank accounts registered under company and business names.
Ramli said that from January until Monday, a total of 1,369 bank accounts belonging to 487 companies and businesses had been used as mule accounts by the investment fraud syndicates.
"Bank accounts under company and business names allow more frequent transactions involving larger amounts without being detected by financial institutions,” he said.
He revealed that investigations also showed that individuals appointed as directors of these 'mule companies' were usually those seeking employment and facing financial difficulties.
"These individuals initially search for jobs through job advertisements posted on social media,” he said.
Ramli elaborated that such individuals were then contacted by agents searching for mule accounts and offered positions as company directors.
"All they needed to do was open several bank accounts under the names of newly established companies in their name and hand over these accounts to the agents.
"They were also promised monthly commissions or one-off payments for this process,” he added.
Ramli reminded those seeking employment not to get involved in such activities.
"Always be cautious and sceptical of job offers like these, as there is a high likelihood that you could become the owner of a mule account, which is a criminal offence.
"Always stay alert and exercise proper judgement before accepting any job offers,” he advised.