KUALA LUMPUR: The investigation into the misuse of mule accounts is set to be bolstered following the tabling and approval of the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill 2024 and the Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Bill 2024 in the Dewan Rakyat.
Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said in online crime or scam cases, it is extremely challenging to obtain evidence to secure convictions under Section 420 of the Penal Code due to the lack of identification by the victims of the suspects apprehended by the police, especially mule account holders.
He said, previously, many mule account holders were charged by the deputy public prosecutor under general offences such as Section 424 of the Penal Code, which involves dishonestly concealing property, or Section 29(1) of the Minor Offences Act for failing to provide information regarding certain properties.
"Through the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill 2024 and the Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Bill 2024, which was tabled and passed in the Dewan Rakyat on July 9 and 11, the investigation into the use of mule accounts will be significantly enhanced.
"Subsequently, on July 22, both bills were tabled and passed by the Dewan Negara. Alhamdulillah, this development is a very positive step," he said to Harian Metro.
Ramli expressed his highest appreciation and gratitude to all the honourable members of the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara for their decision.
"The police believe that once gazetted, this law will become an effective mechanism in tackling the use of mule accounts and reducing the occurrence of fraud.
"These legal amendments involve the addition of several new provisions, including Sections 424A, 424B, 424C, and 424D of the Penal Code.
"These provisions pertain to offences related to mule accounts, including the possession, control, handing over, and use of ATM cards, credit cards, e-wallets, and any payment instruments," he said.
He added that the amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code would involve the inclusion of Section 116D, which will empower the police with a rank of no less than Sergeant to seize or block transactions related to financial dealings.