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A BUSINESSMAN in Kuala Terengganu lost nearly RM3 million after being deceived by phone scammers who falsely claimed he was implicated in a money laundering case, prompting him to transfer large sums of money under the guise of assisting an investigation.
Terengganu police chief Datuk Mohd Khairi Khairudin said the 64-year-old man was targeted by a phone scam syndicate that introduced themselves as police officers and a deputy public prosecutor.
The suspects allegedly used intimidation and deception to convince the victim that he was under investigation for money laundering.
According to Mohd Khairi, the scammers told the victim that in order to resolve his alleged involvement in the offence, a total of RM2,707,965 had to be placed in his bank account.
“The businessman then made 55 online transfers and cash deposits to five different bank accounts to settle his involvement in the money laundering case,” he said.
He added that the victim was instructed not to check his bank account or carry out any transactions from September last year until the middle of this month. Over that period, the victim suffered total losses amounting to RM2,707,965.
Police have reminded the public to remain vigilant and to verify any claims involving law enforcement agencies or financial investigations directly with the authorities to avoid falling prey to similar scams. - January 16, 2026
