KUALA LUMPUR: Lawyers who are supposed to safeguard the interests of their clients have been involved in defrauding 167 clients out of RM160.1 million over the past four years.
Federal Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said 113 men and 54 women have fallen victim to these rogue lawyers since 2021.
He said in 2021, there were 39 cases of criminal breach of trust (CBT) involving lawyers, with total losses amounting to RM56.3 million.
"In 2022, we recorded 30 cases with RM11.7 million in losses, followed by 35 cases in 2023 involving RM29.7 million. Last year alone, there were 62 cases, with losses reaching a record RM62.8 million," he told The Star.
"As of January 15, a new case involving RM92,000 in losses has already been reported. In total, the amount defrauded by unscrupulous lawyers over the past four years has reached RM160.19 million," he added.
He also revealed that 53 lawyers have been arrested in connection with CBT cases since 2021.
"The victims have been from various age groups, with those aged over 60 representing the largest group at 42 victims, followed by those aged 41-50 (39 victims), 31-40 (35 victims), 51-60 (34 victims), 21-30 (16 victims), and one victim aged 15-20," he said, noting that the victims' professions ranged from businessmen and teachers to retirees and private-sector employees.
Ramli said in one case, a 47-year-old female company director reported that a law firm in Kuala Lumpur had deceived her.
The firm had been hired to handle four civil suits against her. In early 2023, the courts issued a Mareva injunction against her assets.
"The lawyer, who owned the firm, offered to temporarily hold the client's assets and cash during the legal proceedings. The victim transferred assets worth RM19 million to the firm. However, when she sought to recover her assets at the end of 2023, the lawyer failed to return her funds and valuables, offering only excuses," Ramli said.
Another victim, a 51-year-old property consultant, lost RM833,473 in a similar situation, with the funds transferred to a law firm's account for services.
Ramli emphasised that the police are taking CBT cases involving lawyers seriously.
He said while the number of cases may seem low, the amounts lost by the victims are significant.
"A professional entrusted with safeguarding assets should never engage in criminal acts," he said.
He urged the Bar Council to review its procedures, codes of ethics, and work processes to prevent such fraud and stressed the need for consistent enforcement by authorities and disciplinary measures by the Bar Council.
He also called on the Bar Council to impose stricter disciplinary actions, including suspension or license revocation, on lawyers found guilty of fraud or CBT.
Ramli added that clients must be educated about their legal rights, including how to check a lawyer's credentials and understand legal agreements before signing.