KOTA KINABALU: A man who impersonated a police officer thought he could get away after deceiving a woman to pay him for his "help" in securing the release of someone held for drug-related cases.
His hope was short-lived when the real cops from the Commercial Crime Investigation Division of the Ranau district police headquarters apprehended the 37-year-old suspect outside a restaurant at around 1:30pm on Thursday (Nov 7).
Acting Ranau OCPD Supt Mursalin Mahmud said police had initially received a report on Nov 1 from a woman who claimed to have been scammed by a man impersonating a police officer via a phone call.
The victim’s aunt received a call from a man posing as a police officer, offering to expedite an investigation and facilitate the release of a person in police custody on narcotics charges.
"The suspect requested two payments to his account. The first transaction amounted to RM1,000, and the second to RM500,” he said in a statement on Friday (Nov 8).
The victim, convinced by the suspect's demands, lost a total of RM1,500.
Following the report, police conducted an investigation, leading to the suspect’s arrest.
"We seized 5.60g of syabu from the suspect, and investigations also revealed that he has a criminal record with 10 previous criminal offences, including eight narcotics cases and two other criminal cases.
“A urine test also showed he tested positive for drugs," Supt Mursalin said.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, along with Section 170 for impersonating a police officer, and Sections 39A(1) and 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
Supt Mursalin reminded the public to exercise caution and avoid engaging with unfamiliar phone calls.
“Inform your spouse, friends, or family members about any unusual calls received, and verify with the nearest police station, bank, or relevant agency. Do not disclose banking information to anyone.
"The police remain committed to combating and preventing crime, especially in this district,” he said.
