KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is actively identifying victims of a syndicate involved in selling federal awards, which was busted earlier this month.
Sources revealed that the victims fell prey to an individual holding a key position in a non-governmental organisation (NGO).
"While this individual has recently been under investigation by the MACC, the enforcement agency requires additional victims to come forward and assist in the ongoing probe."
MACC Investigation Division senior director Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hashim said they had identified seven victims of the syndicate so far, with five of them having already provided statements.
"We believe there are still several victims who need to come forward to help complete the investigation," he said.
It was reported that a syndicate was selling fake awards bearing the title "Tan Sri" for up to RM2 million.
The mastermind of the syndicate, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) president, was detained in Melaka after four men and two women were arrested on two separate occasions since Nov 30.
This syndicate is believed to have been operating since 2020 and has deceived several victims, resulting in losses amounting to hundreds of thousands of ringgit.
The payment amounts vary according to the level of honours, such as RM150,000 for the title "Datuk" and RM250,000 for "Datuk Seri", while the title "Tan Sri" is valued at around RM2 million.
The case is being investigated under Section 16(a)(A) of the MACC Act 2009.
Individuals with information about this case can contact investigating officer Aiman Jamil at 03-88700473 or 017-2820484.