KUALA LUMPUR: For the past 23 years, a local man has been living a life that would make for a Hollywood blockbuster.
Much like Frank Abagnale Jr, the conman portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio in the film 'Catch Me If You Can', the local man skilfully impersonated a host of professionals.
His victims over the years, whom he deceived to the tune of millions of ringgit, believed who he said he was: a deputy public prosecutor, an Airbus pilot, a Petronas engineer, and a rugby coach, among others.
"The suspect is an eloquent speaker who can easily convince his victims to enter into deals with him," a source told Harian Metro.
"Most of his victims were deceived because the suspect presented himself confidently. He demonstrated knowledge of the professions and subject matter, and facts of the topics related to them."
One of his scams included tricking victims into believing he could help them secure commercial pilot's licences, and jobs as pilots.
"He seemed to know everything and could become whoever he wanted, which led victims to believe him, and hand over their money."
The source claimed that the suspect had been arrested previously by police in Perak, Johor, and Pahang.
On Tuesday, the suspect, 44, was arrested again. Federal Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf confirmed that the man was arrested in Ampang, Selangor, on Tuesday night.
He said the man was being probed in connection to a pilot's licence scam in Ipoh, Perak, involving a loss of RM20,400.
"The suspect has been taken to the Ipoh district police headquarters for further investigation."
The case is being probed under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
"Our records show that the suspect is involved in other cases, including scams related to the sale of electrical goods, tractors, and helicopter parts."