KUALA LUMPUR: The Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) used the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) for the first time in investigating a commercial crime case that led to the busting of the syndicate responsible for the RM24.2mil bank fraud in Kota Kinabalu.

The group, known as the "Heist Syndicate", was believed to have been responsible for the missing funds from current accounts.

Bukit Aman CCID director Comm Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said Sosma was used after investigators discovered that activities of the syndicate involved elements of organised crime that led to millions of ringgit in losses for the victims.

"This investigation began on June 28 and ended on July 22.

"More than 50 police officers were involved in the investigation, who worked in cohesion with the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC), leading to the prosecution of the suspects today," he told a press conference at CCID headquarters on Thursday (July 25).

Comm Ramli saluted those involved in the case, including the Bukit Aman CCID investigation, intelligence and operations teams, and the AGC for the successful apprehension and prosecution of the suspects.

"I highly commend the efforts and commitment shown by all those involved in the case.

"The successful prosecution today will be the beginning of more successful investigations for the CCID in the near future," he said.

It was reported that 10 people, including two bank managers, have been charged at the Kota Kinabalu Sessions Court here for being members of an organised crime group linked to missing funds totalling RM24.2mil from several bank accounts.

The accused are Josepin J. Langkan, Mazlani Jenuary, Hasran Magin, Leong Hin Ping, Subramaniam Thangavelu, Sugumaran K. Ponniah @ Mohd Daniel Abdullah, Vireonis Jonok, Iren Chin Nyuk Thien, Christina @ Caroline Pianus, and Nasir Abdul Rashid.

The suspects, aged between 37 and 62 years old, were brought before Sessions Court Judge Amir Shah Amir Hassan, where they were charged under Section 130V(1) of the Penal Code.

No pleas were recorded pending the next mention date, set for Sept 13. Their pleas will only be recorded at the High Court after motions have been filed by the defence lawyers.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/25/sabah-bank-fraud-first-such-case-to-be-investigated-under-sosma-says-ccid-director