18 Japanese and Chinese nationals deny conspiring to commit online fraud in a Malaysian court, with bail set at RM8,000 each
BUKIT MERTAJAM: A total of 18 Japanese and Chinese nationals pleaded not guilty at the Magistrate’s Court here to conspiring to commit online fraud.
The group, which includes one woman, denied the charge after it was read in English and Mandarin before Magistrate Roshayati Radellah.
They are accused of criminal conspiracy to carry out online fraud activities at Taman Bukit Juru, Seberang Perai Tengah, on November 20.
The charge is framed under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which carries a penalty of one to ten years’ imprisonment, caning, and a fine.
Deputy public prosecutor Zulfadzli Hassan offered bail at RM10,000 for each accused with a local surety.
Defence counsel Mahesh Ananthan appealed for a reduced bail, citing his clients’ low incomes, family support obligations, and full cooperation with police.
The court set bail at RM8,000 each with one local surety and ordered the surrender of their passports.
The case mention was set for February 3, 2026.
Police detained the 18 foreigners on November 20 during a raid on two bungalows in Simpang Ampat, Batu Kawan.
The premises were believed to have been used by a phone scam syndicate impersonating Japanese police. – Bernama
