Sarikei Online Scams Exposed: Police Trace Bank Account Owners

Police have identified four individuals whose bank accounts were used to receive funds in two recent online fraud cases in Sarikei, although no arrests have been made so far.

Sarikei district police chief Superintendent Aswandy Anis said the accounts were registered under company names that are not operating in the district, raising further suspicion over how they were used. Investigations are ongoing under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. He added that account holders who knowingly allowed their accounts to be used by others could also face charges under Section 424C(1) of the Penal Code (Amendment 2024).

One of the cases involved a contractor in his 50s who lost about RM460,000 after falling for a fake online investment scheme earlier this month. The second case involved a private pharmacy officer in his 30s, who was cheated of around RM15,000 after being offered a tender to supply medical equipment in Sarikei.

In the latter case, the victim lodged a police report yesterday after realising he had been duped. Superintendent Aswandy said the victim had been contacted by a man posing as an officer from the Sarawak Social Welfare Department. Believing the offer to be genuine, the victim made several payments into two different bank accounts.

However, the promised medical equipment never arrived, and the suspect later blocked the victims phone number and cut off all contact. Police have urged the public to remain cautious of unsolicited investment or tender offers, especially those that require upfront payments.