Eight Chinese nationals are suspected of operating a local call center and offering fraudulent investment schemes. Today, each faced a charge during their court appearance, but all defendants pleaded not guilty and were granted bail of 5000 Malaysian Ringgit each.
The eight defendants include 19-year-olds Feng Xiaowei and Gao Junjie, 22-year-old Lin Wenjie, 27-year-olds Hu Zhicong and Liu Bonan, 33-year-old Fan Zichao, 35-year-old Zhang Hao, and 38-year-old Wu Weibin. (Names are transliterated)
The charge states that on the 9th of this month, at 2/14 Road, Austin Heights, Johor Bahru, the eight defendants jointly operated a scam center and provided false investment plans, violating Article 120(b)(2) of the Criminal Code (criminal conspiracy), which can be read together with Article 417 (fraud), with a conviction leading to a maximum of 6 months imprisonment, or a fine, or both.
After the charge was read by a Chinese interpreter, all defendants denied guilt.
The prosecutor, Noamira, suggested to the court that the bail for each defendant be set at 10,000 Malaysian Ringgit, with the addition of two guarantors and the surrender of passports, and monthly police station reporting.
The defense lawyer, Cai Xuejie, pointed out that most defendants need to take care of their elderly parents and grandparents living in China, hence requested a reduction in bail.
The presiding magistrate, R. Shalini, ultimately ruled that each defendant could be released on a bail of 5000 Malaysian Ringgit, with two Malaysian guarantors and the additional conditions suggested by the prosecution.
The case is adjourned to November 13th for further hearing.
