KOTA KINABALU: A woman lost RM2.5 million after falling victim to a love scam syndicate through an introduction to a Korean man on Instagram.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun said the 46-year-old local woman worked as an assistant manager in a private company.
"Based on the investigation, the victim got to know an individual who claimed to be a young man from Korea before their relationship became more intimate.
"Within two weeks of their acquaintance, the woman put her trust in the man," he told reporters at the Penampang police headquarters today.
The man then informed the victim that his company, involved in the oil and gas industry, was facing problems and requested the complainant to transfer money for the company's purchases.
He added that the suspect also claimed that the victim's money would be returned once the issue was resolved.
"The victim agreed and made payments in instalments of 41 times within two weeks.
"During that period, the victim transferred RM2.5 million to 24 different accounts," he said.
According to him, the victim realised she had been deceived when her money was not returned, and she was asked to make additional payments.
She then made a police report for further action on July 12.
"The police are conducting a detailed investigation under Section 420 of the Penal Code, including identifying the account owners involved in this transaction.
"The investigation has revealed that all the account owners are locals, but most were unaware that their accounts had been misused for criminal activities.
"These account owners were found to have provided their accounts to third parties solely to receive payments due to financial difficulties," he said.
Meanwhile, Jauteh advised the public, especially women, not to easily be deceived by acquaintances, particularly those through social media.
"Think rationally and sensibly in handling relationships with others to avoid falling victim to love scams," he said.