KLANG: Desperate to raise money for a wedding dowry, a 31-year old man posed as a car auction agent for the Royal Malaysian Customs Department.
However, his scheme was foiled when he and his accomplice were arrested by police on Nov 27.
It was understood that the two suspects had deceived at least five victims in Meru by offering a Toyota Camry and a Toyota Hilux for RM60,000 each.
Klang Utara district police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Yusoff Mamat said the suspects' modus operandi was to prepare a catalogue with pictures of the vehicles offered before meeting up with the victims in public places.
He said the victims were asked to give a deposit of RM8,000, with the understanding that the cars would be delivered in eight days.
"The victims lodged police reports when they did not receive the cars as promised after two weeks. Following our investigation, a suspect was arrested in Section 7, Shah Alam while another was arrested in Cheras.
"We also seized cash amounting to RM27,000," he told a press conference at the Klang Utara district police headquarters, here, today.
Mohd Yusoff said police investigation found that the suspect had given RM8,000 to the family of his fiancee as a dowry and his wedding was supposed to take place last weekend.
The case is investigated according to Section 420 of the Penal Code which has a maximum jail term of 10 years and whipping upon conviction.
Mohd Yusoff said police believe that the suspects may have deceived even more people. Police have urged victims to lodge a report at the nearest station to assist investigation.