TAWAU, Dec 27 — A businesswoman has claimed she fell victim to a gold investment scam involving over RM5 million, including investments from 300 other investors.
Zerina Collection owner Liana Friska Ramle said she invested a total of RM3.17 million, while the 300 investors invested RM2.18 million, all of which was then handed over to the suspect, who claimed to be a representative of a gold investment company.
The female suspect promised substantial returns to all investors, ranging from five to 15 per cent within ten days or RM25 for every gram of gold invested, and the capital would be returned gradually according to the agreement.
“In short, this agreement includes the first business partner’s (suspect) commitment to return the capital to me within three months and in phases, as well as the agreed-upon stages of capital repayment.
“In May, June, and July, investors received profits, but none were received starting from August. Subsequently, the capital repayment that was supposed to be made in October, November, and December was also not received, and a police report was lodged on December 14,” she told a press conference today.
Lawyer Abdul Ghani Zelika, representing Liana and several other victims, said a letter of demand was sent to the suspect on December 11, and after failing to get any response from the party involved, they are currently in discussions to file a lawsuit.
Meanwhile, MG Jewels business representative Ale Rahman Abdul Rauf said the company also fell victim to the gold investment scam in May, resulting in RM2.36 million in losses.
When contacted, Tawau district police chief ACP Jasmin Hussin confirmed a report was lodged, and that an investigation has been initiated under Section 420 of the Penal Code.
— Bernama
